wars of the roses: edward consolidating authority 2nd reign
- Created by: Scarlettclarke
- Created on: 29-01-19 11:28
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- how did Edward IV consolidate his authority after regaining the throne?
- dealing with opposition
- Gloucester controlled much of the north- he was loyal to Edward and was eventually granted a platinate making him essentially the 'king of the north'.
- confiscated various estates from Clarence. (his land in the midlands went to Lord Hastings, a loyal supporter).
- the Woodvilles- Earl Rivers was put in charge of Edward's son and heir the Prince of Wales, and the Grey brothers were given the south west.
- he issued royal proclamations- ensuring his power was known.
- changed attitude towards law and order- harsher punishments.
- by October 1471 the final Lancastrian strongholds in Pembroke and Tenby had been surrendered.
- and Act passed in 1468 prohibited retaining except for domestic servants, it aimed to eradicate overmighty subjects with large armies. however, it was largely ineffective.
- establishing systems of rule
- he uses his badge the 'sun in splendour' to put himself at the centre of England and centralise power.
- Edward uses the church as a unifying factor.
- curbs lawlessness by creating the system of JPs and sheriffs. he also had the King's court.
- Edward is the first king to rule using a meritocracy rather than birth, it ensures loyalty and prevents people having their own agendas and power.
- he also revolutionised royal finance as he began the practice of kings using chambers to give him more control and prevent corruption.
- John Fortescue suggests re-endowment (increasing income by getting money off the crown lands, customs duties, feudal dues and parliament grants.) and retrenchment (limiting expenses. this was more unpopular).
- however there are some negatives to Edward's rule: the benevolences (forced loans) and income tax failed as they couldn't get accurate information.
- foreign policy
- Preparation for French Invasion: benevolences and parliament levying tax.
- results of the French invasion: treaty of Picquigny 1475, Louis XI paid Edward £15,000. and the French pension: Louis XI pays £10,000.
- negative results: no land gained, they cant fight France again, the nobility are annoyed, no military glory and their benevolences were not rewarded.
- dealing with opposition
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