The Wars of the Roses

1455 – 1487 Wars of the Roses

Westminster, site of Henry VII's first Parliament of 1485
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Great Council, 1458

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On 28 February 1458 a Great Council Meeting took place in London. It was designed to bring about a resolution to disputes across England. With the Earl of Devon dying whilst on his way to London for the meetings, the Council was left to tackle the ongoing issues in the north between the Neville’s of Middleham and Percy family. 

Divisions between factions and families

The divisions between rival families and factions throughout England had reached boiling point by February of 1458. It was clear that to preserve peace, agreements and compromises would have to be made and accepted. In the build up to a Great Council Meeting, held on 28 February 1458, several meaningful discussions took place.  

Rivalries between noble families were having a detrimental impact on the functioning of court and Government. The political factionalism had already resulted in the First Battle of St. Albans. The Protectorship of Richard Duke of York had seen some of the court party removed from office. In general, a consensus government focussed on improved fiscal management had been the objective. 

Percy-Neville Feud

Old wounds had reopened in the time after the return of King Henry VI to the throne. In the North, the Earl of Northumberland’s men continued to clash with those of the Neville family. In November 1457, the Percy family, holders of the Earldom of Northumberland, were persuaded to agree to arbitration with the Neville’s, who also agreed to participate.  

Talks such as these went a long way to ensuring that the Great Council could take place. The two families made agreements regarding future conduct. This was expected to apply to their retainers as well. 

Loveday

The Great Council meeting itself paved the way for the Loveday Parade later in the year. It established the need for conciliatory tones and actions. The nobility agreed that this was in everybody’s best interests. So Queen Margaret proceeded with plans for an elaborate Loveday at which the rivals would agree to peace and at which terms of compensation would be settled. 

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