Ch2: The early actions of Richard, Duke of York

What did York want to achieve on his return from Ireland?

The Duke of York remained in Ireland in late 1450s, after the murder of Duke of Suffolk, the Cade Rebellion and the loss of Normandy. He returned to England without being told to do so by the king.

The king himself did not trust York and was suspicious of him, due to the advice Edmund, Duke of Somerset was giving him. When York was attempting to travel through North Wales, the men from the king's household were already there waiting to imprison him, however, York headed to London through the Welsh Marches where he raised a pretty decent army.

York could've desired a couple of things upon his return from Ireland:

• To clear his name, after the Cade Rebellion. Cade used the name Mortimer, which was York's mother's maiden name, and therefore he was somewhat linked to the leader of the rebellion. There were also rumours that York used the Cade rebels in an attempt to usurp the king. York was therefore anxious to clear his name - he was on his way to London with 3,000 men and his sword borne before him, in order to declare his loyalty and respect to the king.
• To have his loans repaid. It seemed as if after his political exile to Ireland, Somerset was having his war loans repaid ahead of others. Despite York being the richest nobleman in England, in 1450 his position was very poor, to the point where he had to sell land to make ends meet. He was owed £26,000 by the government and he was never paid his wages as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
• To protect his position. York was rather angry that Somerset took the spot of Suffolk in being king's chief adviser. York felt like it was his right to be by the side of the king. He was also the heir presumptive - at least until Henry's son would be born. If he was found guilty of treason, Somerset would become heir presumptive.
• To remove Somerset. York was furious about the rise of Somerset to chief adviser, and felt it was Somerset's fault that Normandy was lost. It is unknown why he hasn't returned from Ireland earlier to take the role himself.
• To bring justice and end corruption. York took it upon himself to bring justice and end corruption, sensing the mood of the nation. The danger in doing this would be that he could be again associated with the Cade rebels who indeed made the same demands. At the end of September 1450, York made a public statement regarding traitors being brought to justice. York offered hope to the ordinary people as no one ever addressed their complaints. It could have a personal edge to it or really a desire to see good governance. York was put on the council of many advisers.
• To take the throne. People were suggesting that York could be a great replacement for Henry VI. The Cade…