2) How well did Edward deal with the Lancastrian problem?

Lancastrian strengths after Towton?

• Determination of Queen to secure the throne for her son.

• Potential support from France and Scotland.

• Powerbase in Midlands and North-east.

• Percy’s and Cliffords still around.

• Dukes of Somerset and Exeter still at large.

• Henry (deposed king) still had strongest claim to the throne.

Lancastrian weaknesses after Towton?

• HVI periodically ill and continuously weak.

• MOA unpopular.

• York seemingly secure on the throne and soon to be crowned.

• Devastating defeat at Towton - could lancs ever recover?

The problem of HVI:

• Figurehead of Lanc cause - what could not be disputed by EIV was that he had the blood of HV.

• His supporters believed Henry had been appointed by God.

• Lanc-supporting families, those disenchanted with the reign of EIV and foreign powers intent on unsettling England for their own gain could all provide aid for Henry.

How did EIV deal with HVI?

• Defeating Lancs in two battles in the north of Englanf in 1664 (Hedgelely Moor (april) and Hexam (may)) - although it was John Neville who inflicted these defeats.

• HVI escaped to north west while MOA to France with Prince Edward.

• HVI captured in Lancashire in July 1465 after which he was imprisoned in the tower.

The problem of MOA:

• Determined to take on EIV and secure the succession of Prince Edward - was prepared to go to great lengths.

• Short of funds, MOA looked to Scotland and France for help.

• April 1461, she had ordered Berwick on Tweed to be handed over to Scotland - even though it had been in English hands for hundreds of years.

• French king, Charles VII had attacked the channel islands in 1461 after completing negotiation with MOA.

• Louis XI had supported Edward at Towton but was easily persuaded to change his allegiance when MOA promised him Calais.

How did EIV deal with MOA?

• MOA tried to attack EIV in 1462 and once more fled to France having been faced with a massive force sent by EIV.

• Edward followed this up with Truces with Scotland and France ending foreign support for the Lancs.

The problem of continuing Lancastrian support:

• EIV’s support base amongst the nobility was fairly narrow - the Nevilles and Bouchiers.

• He needed to win over some of the nobles who had supported the Lancs.

How did EIV deal with continuing lanc support?

• Building bridges with the heirs of those he had killed.

• Allowed families to retain the states of under-age heirs.

• But, the D of Exeter, D of Buckingham and Sir Ralph Percy refused to accept the rule of EIV. Percy difficult = Castles seized twice by Warwick and returned to Percy on the promise he would end his Lanc support - even allowed to remain constable of Dunstanburgh castle. 1st time, he handed over to HVI and MOA, 2nd time, fought EIV at Hedgely Moor 1464 but was killed.

Building bridges with the heirs of those he had killed:

• E.g. issued acts of attainder against only 14 of those nobles who had fought against him at Towton.

• Under these acts, the heirs of those attained would have the titles of their dead fathers restored to them - a good way to win over the next generation.

• This was relatively generous - especially given that Margaret had disinherited York and his heirs via parliament of devils.

Edward allowed families to retain the estates of under-age heirs:

• Instead of taking control of them for himself.

• E.g. the D of Buckingham and the E of Shrewsbury.

Henry Beaufort:

• Looked like he might change sides when he was captured by Warwick in 1462 at Bamburgh castle.

• Edward IV pardoned him, used all his charm to befriend Somerset who then helped EIV capture Alnwick castle from the lancs.

• But then could not resist changing sides again - using Bamburgh castle as a base for attacks on the Yorkists.

• Somerset eventually killed at Hexham 1464.

In Wales, EIV had to conduct a military campaign against the Lancs who were in control of several castles:

• A Yorkist army led by William Herbert and Walter Devereux captured Pembroke castle from Jasper Tudor in October 1461 and the Lancs were defeated near Caernarvon in North Wales but Harlech Castle remained in the hands of Lancs until 1468.

How well did EIV deal with Lanc problem?

• EIV’s policy towards the Lancs was ambitious and deserves some credit - he tried to be conciliatory and made every effort to encourage lancs to participate in his government.

What are the two reasons why the lancs did not want to be in EIV’s government?

• 1.) As long as HVI and Prince Edward lived, there was always a legitimate figure head to support.

• 2.) It was difficult for leading Lancs to forgive and forget the murder of their relatives in the name of concilation.

EIV did have some success on subduing the Lancs:

• No more major risings in the north and few local gentry rose in support of HVI when he returned from Scotland in 1462.

• Also, local gentry betrayed HVI in 1465 when he was finally captured - evidence that some had been won over by EIV.