Proclamation to tackle unrest, 1487
On 3rd June 1487 a Proclamation of Henry VII to cities stated that any person found to be spreading rumours was to be put into the pillory. Henry VII was quite nervous in June of 1487.…
How did Richard III become King?
A timeline of events leading to the accession of Richard III. The question ‘How did Richard III become King?’ is one for which there is no simple answer. In a period of just 78 days…
Richard Duke of York’s claim to the crown, 1460
In 1460 Richard duke of York put forward a claim to the throne of England. The move was contrary to arguments that his supporters, the earls of Salisbury and Warwick, and his son, Edward earl…
Contemporary view on the readeption
Edward IV is portrayed as a usurper, oppressor and destroyer of the rightful king and noble blood of the realm of England in this contemporary document. Written at the time when George duke of Clarence…
Philippe Commines on the Causes of the Wars of the Roses
Causes of the Wars of the Roses as described in the Memoirs of Philippe de Commines. Commines was a writer and diplomat within the Burgundian and French Courts. His writing of political events within his…
Justifications of Yorkist actions, 1459, by the Earl of Warwick
In the immediate aftermath of the battle of Blore Heath the Earl of Warwick issued a series of articles that justified the actions of the Yorkist lords. Politically it was an incredibly tense time and…
Edward IV and the origins of the Middle Classes of England?
A footnote in the Chronicles of the White Rose of York makes the suggestion that Edward IV was responsible for the origins of the English Middle Classes. It is to this marriage, in a great…
Loveday, 25th March 1458
A Loveday Parade took place at St. Paul’s on 25th March 1458. It had been arranged as an attempt to reconcile the feuding parties. Prior to the Loveday a series of agreements had been drawn…
The Stanley’s intentions in 1485: Croyland Chronicle’s Account
Thomas, Lord Stanley and his brother Sir William Stanley were courted by King Richard III and Henry Tudor in 1485. After Henry Tudor landed at Milford Haven there was increased concern from Richard and his…
The Trial and Execution of William, Lord Hastings
William, lord Hastings was executed in June 1483 on charges of plotting against Richard duke of Gloucester, the Protector of the Realm. Arrested at a Council meeting on 13th June, he was said to be…