baronial factions

Q: What is meant by "baronial faction" in 15th

century England?

Q: Why did baronial factions become more prominent in 1450?

A: Henry VI’s weak leadership created a power vacuum, encouraging nobles to compete for control of royal policy and patronage.

Q: Who led the dominant faction at court in 1450?

A: William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk.

Q: What were the criticisms of the Duke of Suffolk’s faction?

A: Corruption, mismanagement of the war in France, monopolisation of patronage, and exclusion of rivals like the Duke of York.

Q: What happened to Suffolk in 1450?

A: He was impeached by Parliament, exiled, and murdered on his way to France.

Q: Who became dominant in court after Suffolk's death?

A: Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset.

Q: Who led the rival faction to Somerset’s in 1450?

A: Richard, Duke of York.

Q: What was Richard, Duke of York’s claim to influence?

A: He was of royal blood, a capable military commander, and heir presumptive (before the birth of Edward, Prince of Wales in 1453).

Q: What did York demand upon returning from Ireland in 1450?

A: The removal of corrupt advisors, especially Somerset, and a role in government.

Q: What were the main causes of baronial factionalism in 1450?

A: Weak kingship, lack of clear leadership, corrupt patronage, economic crisis, and loss in France.

Q: What role did Margaret of Anjou play in factional politics?

A: Supported Somerset’s faction and increasingly opposed York, especially after 1453.

Q: What was the impact of factional rivalry on national politics?

A: Political instability, polarisation of nobles, and breakdown of central authority.

Q: How did Cade’s Rebellion (1450) relate to factional disputes?

A: Rebels called for the removal of corrupt advisors like Somerset and demanded York’s return.

Q: What was the political significance of Cade’s Rebellion?

A: It publicly exposed dissatisfaction with court factions and increased support for York.

Q: Why was the Neville–Percy feud important in 1450s politics?

A: It showed how local noble disputes (e.g., in the north) were left unchecked by central government, fuelling wider disorder.

Q: What was a consequence of Henry VI’s failure to control baronial factions?

A: The escalation of political tensions into armed conflict (e.g., First Battle of St Albans, 1455).

Q: What key event in 1453 escalated factional conflict?

A: Henry VI’s mental breakdown, leading to a power struggle over who would control the government.

Q: Who was appointed Protector during Henry VI’s illness in 1454?

A: Richard, Duke of York.

Q: How did Somerset’s imprisonment in 1453–54 affect factional balance?

A: Temporarily weakened his faction and allowed York to gain political control.

Q: What long

term consequence did baronial factionalism have?