(2) Richard II and the problems of the royal` succession

Gaunts lasting influence over Richard

By 1394, Gaunt's influence over Richard began to decline and Gaunt and Bolingbroke seem to have become concerned about the king's attitude towards their family and inheritance.

Richards unsuccessful marriage to Anne of Bohemia in terms of children

A key factor in this underlying tension was the king's lack of an heir, as his marriage to Anne of Bohemia, who died in 1394, was childless

Richard II’s heir: Roger Mortimer

the king's heir was Roger Mortimer, earl of March, who was the grandson of Lionel of Antwerp, who had been the second-eldest son of King Edward III.

Richard II’s heir: Gaunt’s claim to the throne

he was the third son of Edward III

Richards opposition to remarry

The political solution for Richard lacking a son, was to remarry after Anne of Bohemia's death and try to father an heir quickly

However, the king seemed unwilling possibly for personal reasons

Richard’s response to Anne’s death

Richard apparently flew into a rage of bitter grief and ordered that the palace in which she had died, at Sheen in Richmond, London, should be burned to the ground

Richards alliance with the French

in 1396 he agreed to marry Isabella, daughter of the French King Charles VI who was only seven years old, so the marriage would remain unconsummated until she reached puberty (usually around 13 years), meaning that the king could not have a legitimate heir for at least another seven years

The marriage was also a sign of Richard's pro-French leanings, which were regarded as suspiciously unpatriotic by many at court

His marriage to Isabella was, therefore, an important step towards reducing hostilities with France and the marriage agreement was accompanied by a 28-year truce