What did York want to achieve on his return from Ireland?

Why did York return from Ireland in 1450?

• Unclear.

• Return not requested by king and less so by Duke of Somerset who had returned from Normandy and assumed reins of power following murde rod Suffolk 1450.

• Neither men wanted York near London and men from king’s household may have tried to prevent this passage in north wales.

• York travelled via welsh marches - estates with Mortimer family enabled his to strengthen military entourage - planning to seize power?

To clear his name?

• Cade used name Mortimer to legitimise 1450 rebellion - York’s mother’s maiden name.

• Rumours York was behind rebellion and that he had aims to seize the crown for himself.

• Returned to England November 1450, sending letters to key towns and cities on his journey to London professing his loyalty to the crown and Henry VI.

• York travelled with army of 3,000 - worried people of London and fuelled enemy claims of intent to seize power.

Did York want his loans repaid?

• York richest nobleman in England but had to pay his retainers - 1450 had to sell off some crown lands to do so.

• Owed 26,000 by the government and had not been paid his wages as lord lieutenant of Ireland.

Did York want to protect his position?

• Furious Somerset acquired position of king’s chief advisor - felt this should be his.

• Feared rise of Somerset would again result in him being sidelined like under Suffolk.

• Wanted to protect position as heir presumptive - if found guilty of treason then Somerset might be heir instead.

Did York return to remove Somerset?

• Furious at rise of Somerset - blamed for loss of Normandy and York’s property there.

• If this was motive - then why did he not return sooner.

Did York return to bring justice and corruption?

• Poses as defender of justice against the evil men surrounding the king.

• End of September 1450 - issued statement calling for traitors to be brought to justice while at the same time asserting his loyalty to the crown. Also offered personal assistance to help solve problems of law and order around the household.

Did York return to take the throne?

• Some people did see York as possible replacement for Henry. A man was hanged in Ipswich for plotting to put York on the throne and one of the Moleyns murderers openly stated in front of the king that York should replace him.

• Nothing in Cade’s manifesto suggesting that rebels wanted York to replace the king - wanted king to take advice from York.

• York himself - did not want to replace the king at this stage.