Events of 1483 & Factionalism

1483 -Source from the time = Dominic Mancini
Edward IV is ill has about 10 days of setting about his affairs (Small Council, headed by bro Richard?)
Council meet to discuss
Date a for the coronation
Retinues (Fear of Woodvilles bringing in thousands of retainers to London - unease of Woodville taking power (using their retinue))

Buckingham & Richard discuss fear of Woodvilles and meet with the Woodville group - Anthony Woodville and Thomas Grey
That evening arrest - Ant & Tom
Edward V taken to London By Richard and Buckingham and Woodville retainers go back to Wales?
Everybody agrees that the Woodvilles probably ARE a threat (Hastings etc). No huge problems, nobody is killed, it’s all ok.
Inexplicable things which happen
Council meeting at ___ Anthony Woodville and Hastings arrested by Lord Howard’s son - for treason
HASTINGS MURDERED NO TRIAL - supposedly had been plotting against Richard who was essentially protector of the realm (embodiment of realm is the King) - Richard is doing things in the name of The King. (Anthony also killed later)
Public declarations - Richard should be King (Priest, Duke of Buckingham - brilliant speech vs. Rlly bad speech)
Parliament asks Richard to be king.

Elizabeth is in Westminster Abbey (sanctuary) - she hands over her younger son Richard of York who goes to the tower with Edward V. (Bargain for safety of her daughters?)

Sons go to tower and eventually disappear (MURDER prob)

Buckingham rebels - rebellions are put down, most people who are against Richard go to France (Henry Tudor).

Factionalism -
Edward kept a lid on factionalism. There was no need for rivalries because he’s generous to everyone (aw).
When he dies his son is 12 (bad- not quite king age but almost)

Questions:
Why are the Woodvilles distrusted: Reputation for social climbing, greed and manipulation of the King. Marriage (Witchcraft, Seductress) Warwick charged Elizabeth’s mother with witchcraft in 1471. The Woodvilles have long been held as this type of family. Elizabeth’s father was…