1 why was york restored to the protectorate

Yorkist victory at the battle of St Albans:

The Yorkists killed off a large number of the king's men in the battle of St Albans due to their archers and wounded the king

This helped York by causing him to be given the higher position and therefore becoming the protector of the realm for a second time when he fell ill

Yorks desire to secure power:

Letters were circulated in court as evidence that the Yorkists were innocent, as they were concealed by Somerset and showed York to be trying to avoid conflict

These letters lead to more nobles being inclined to work with York and for him to be trusted more

The promise of reform:

York limited expenditure in the crown to prevent excessive amounts of taxes from being taken and to appease the people

Actions like these made him more popular

Problems in the south west:

There was a large conflict between the Courtenays and the Bonvilles, which lead to the murder of a lawyer and the king did nothing in response to this

This helped York by proving that the king was incapable and therefore inclining parliament to give him the second protectorate

The kings health:

The kings health relapsed but was not as bad as before, however it still had a major effect on how well he could govern the country

This meant that parliament were more likely to allow York the second protectorate as it made it clear that the king was not capable enough to do his job

Lack of an alternative:

York was the only alternative to Henry, as Somerset was killed in the battle of St Albans and someone needed to take over from the king

This aided York as it was becoming more obvious that the king was not well enough to do his job and needed replacing and York was the only one left able to do it