1450-55: York's power struggle and the eventual conflict between the nobles

Cade's Rebellion - June/July 1450

• Somerset away in Normandy
  
• York away in Ireland

Somerset returns quickly - becomes Henry's chief adviser

Somerset had much support from the nobility - they hoped he would restore the authority of the government

York returns in September 1450  -  Cade's rebels proposed him to be the King's leading adviser

As he returned he was met by royal guards. York claimed he was arrested by Somerset.

York travelled to London where he exchanged public letters with some of the King's Councillors. They were loyal to Henry but corrupt courtiers dominated Henry - a stronger king was needed.

When York arrived, people called for Somerset to be charged with treason after the Loss in Normandy. York gained brief momentum in the House of Commons and with the people of London.

The nobles became alarmed that he may try an uprising so York soon lost support quickly.

In 1451, the King and Somerset went on a progress in Kent called 'the Harvest of the Heads'. York was excluded from power but Somerset basically ruled in the King's name.

York's attempted coup d'état at Dartford - 1452

September 1451 - York tried to restore peace between two nobles - instead he was seen as causing trouble

February 1452  - York gathered supporters and marched towards London. He sent out a letter to the local towns complaining about Somerset

Only 2 nobles joined him. He had to surrender pathetically at Dartford.

The nobles wanted peace so they preferred Somerset. York was seen as causing trouble again.

York was forced to make an oath of loyalty to the king. This increased the hostility between York and Somerset.

The losses in France and Henry's madness

From 1452, Somerset was successful in Parliament, so the nobility liked him and remained loyal to Henry VI.

In 1453, Queen Margaret fell pregnant with Edward, Henry's heir.

In 1453, York was defeated in France (Shrewsbury was killed) ending the hopes of success in France

On hearing the news of the defeat, Henry VI collapsed and started his catatonic coma-like mental state where he was passive and non-existent in the government decisions.

Henry was so ill that he didn't react to the birth of his son in later 1453. This would have been a major success for him, given the threats from York.

The absence of Henry created many quarrels over land (especially between the Nevilles and the Percys).

The Nevilles sympathised with York in 1450 but later in 1452 supported Somerset for authoritative purposes.

The Nevilles had a feud with Somerset over a land issue (Glamorgan) and had a feud with the Percys over marrying Cromwell's heir and taking away land due to new titles.

Exeter's and Cromwell's men brawled together over Exeter taking Cromwell's lands.

Exeter, like many nobles, sided with his rival's rivals, just to be sure that he could fight his own personal enemy.

1454 York's Protectorate

Nevilles and Cromwell argued that York provided the most stability and most effective leadership to restore the order.

In 1454, York was made the Protector of the Realm and swore that Edward was the heir and that he would become king when of age. Henry was still mad at this stage.

York's ally, the Earl of Salisbury was appointed as Lord Chancellor.

York dealt with a rebellion led by Exeter and Egremont. Exeter planned York's assassination and resented York's protectorate. Both were imprisoned.

This showed York's success.

Henry's recovery and York's disaster

December 1454 - Henry recovered

6 month conflict where Somerset was released from the Tower and placed back into the government, Exeter and the Percys supported this.

York's protectorate ended. Salisbury resigned as Chancellor.

Both factions were afraid about what the other would do to gain power. Both scared of first move.

Somerset called a council in Leicester in May 1455. He did not invite York or the Nevilles. This made it seem like he was accusing York of treason.

York saw the only way to save himself and deny charges was to march with a force and intercept somerset and the King on the way to Leicester.

Somerset was made aware and immediately sent for help from his supporting nobles.

The Battle of St Albans - 22 May 1455