Significance of Bolingbrokes

Henry IV and the problems arising from his behaviour in 1399: Henry IV’s first parliament

In his first parliament as Henry IV, it was claimed that Richard had voluntarily resigned the throne when a delegation of nobles had approached him on the issue and explained to him that he could not rule because of his 'incapacity and insufficiency' to be king.

In this rather implausible explanation, Richard gave up his throne willingly, as it appeared, and with a cheerful face', admitting that he was 'utterly inadequate and unequal to the rule and government of the said realms and dominions... and, on account of my notorious faults, I deserve to be deposed from them.' He then expressed a hope that Henry Bolingbroke should become the next king, placing his own gold ring on the finger of the duke.

Why was Richard II unlikely to have abdicated peacefully?

Sources suggest Richard was either furious or heartbroken at being forced from the throne, making a voluntary abdication extremely unlikely.

Why was Richard’s forced removal from the throne a problem for Henry IV?

Because people widely believed Richard had been forcibly deposed despite Henry’s claims, threatening the new king’s legitimacy and political stability.

Why did Henry IV’s regime need careful legal justification for the takeover?

Removing a monarch challenged the belief that hereditary monarchy was ordained by God, so the takeover needed to appear lawful and morally justified.

Who was Adam of Usk?

A chronicler, academic, and lawyer who supported the Lancastrian cause and served on a committee to legally justify Richard’s deposition.

What role did Adam of Usk play in Henry IV’s rise?

He helped draft the legal arguments that justified removing Richard II from the throne.

On what grounds did Adam of Usk’s committee justify Richard’s deposition?

They accused Richard of incompetence, greed, and overall immoral rule, arguing canon law permitted his removal.

How many accusations were formally read out against Richard II in Henry IV’s first parliament?

39 accusations.

What was the accusation about Richard’s tax policies?

He imposed heavy and unnecessary taxes for personal gain rather than the common good.

What accusation involved the Lords Appellant?

Richard mistreated them, taking revenge in 1397 despite previously pardoning them.

What was Richard accused of regarding his Cheshire retainers?

Allowing them to behave violently and unlawfully and failing to restrain them despite complaints.

What accusation concerned his treatment of Henry, Duke of Lancaster?

Richard was accused of unjust and unmerciful treatment of Henry, especially during Henry’s exile.

How did Richard interfere with local government?

By selecting sheriffs and MPs himself and altering their oaths to make them personally responsible to him.

What was Richard accused of regarding loans?

Failing to repay loans he had taken.

How did Richard allegedly infringe on Church rights?

By demanding financial payments and interfering with ecclesiastical court cases.

What claim did Richard make about the law that concerned his critics?

He said he personally made the law instead of upholding the traditional laws of the realm.

What accusation involved treason charges?

Richard used false accusations of treason as a way to raise money.

Why was Richard accused of ignoring the council?

He frequently rejected their advice and responded with sudden, harsh rebukes, making nobles afraid to speak honestly.

What was the significance of Richard taking the crown jewels to Ireland?

It was seen as irresponsible and symbolic of his disregard for traditional royal duties.

What was Richard accused of regarding land and justice?

Seizing land without cause and imprisoning subjects unfairly.

Which accusation best summed up the cause of Richard’s downfall?

That he was so unpredictable and changeable that no one could trust him.

How did Richard’s behaviour affect his leading subjects?

His unpredictability created fear, resentment, and uncertainty among the nobility.

Why was a comprehensive attack on Richard necessary in 1399?

To justify the removal of a king and make Henry IV’s seizure of power appear morally and legally legitimate.

What dangerous precedent did Richard’s deposition create?

That a king could be removed for being unpopular or incompetent.

How did the deposition of Richard II differ from that of Edward II in 1327?

Richard had no son to replace him, which broke the tradition of father-to-son succession.

Why was the break in hereditary succession significant in 1399?

It showed that a powerful noble with enough military support—like Henry Bolingbroke—could overthrow a king.

Why did Henry IV need to justify his seizure of the throne in 1399?

Because he overthrew Richard II, so his supporters needed to create a legal and moral explanation for his takeover.

What justification did Henry IV give in his first parliament?

He claimed descent from Henry III and said God, his kin, and his allies helped him save the kingdom from misgovernment.

Why was Henry’s claim through royal blood considered weak?

His hereditary lineage was vague and did not clearly place him first in the line of succession.

Who had the strongest hereditary claim to the throne in 1399?

Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March.

Why did Edmund Mortimer have a strong claim to the throne?

He was the great-grandson of Edward III’s eldest surviving son, Lionel of Antwerp.

What weakened Edmund Mortimer’s claim?

He inherited through the female line, through his grandmother Philippa.

Why was Edmund Mortimer not considered a practical threat in 1399?

He was only eight years old.

Why did many prefer Henry Bolingbroke over Edmund Mortimer?

Henry was an adult, a skilled warrior, and had strong military support.

What did Henry’s mention of “my kin and friends” imply?

It referred to his powerful military backing.

What new principle about kingship did Henry’s claim effectively create?

That kingship depended on competence and military power, not just hereditary right.

Why did Edmund Mortimer still pose a political risk despite his age?

His family was powerful in the Welsh Marches and had strong support from Wales.

Why did Edmund Mortimer have Welsh support?

His family descended from Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, a 13th-century prince of Gwynedd.

Why was Welsh support dangerous for Henry IV in the early 1400s?

Wales was becoming increasingly rebellious against the English crown.

How did Henry IV try to control the Mortimer heirs?

He made Edmund and his brother Roger royal wards and kept them mainly at Windsor Castle.

Where were the Mortimer boys moved in 1402 when Henry went to fight in Wales?

To Berkhamsted Castle, under the supervision of Sir Hugh Waterton.

What event in 1402 proved Henry’s caution was justified?

Sir Edmund Mortimer (their uncle) was captured by Owain Glyndŵr.

What did Sir Edmund Mortimer do after being captured by Glyndŵr?

He switched sides and supported the Welsh rebellion.

What claim did Sir Edmund Mortimer make in December 1402?

He declared his nephew Edmund Mortimer the rightful heir of Richard II and argued Henry IV had no legitimate claim to the throne.