The years 1453–1454 marked a profound crisis in English politics, with dynastic uncertainty and weak kingship driving factional rivalries and placing Richard, Duke of York, in a central—though precarious—position of power.

The Birth of Prince Edward (1453)

The announcement of the birth of Edward of Westminster, the son of King Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou, in October 1453 transformed the political landscape. Prior to this event, Richard, Duke of York, had been the leading alternative claimant to the throne due to his lineage from the House of Mortimer. His potential role as heir presumptive had afforded him considerable influence in the politics of the realm.

• Impact on Succession:

  • York’s prospects as Henry’s successor collapsed instantly.

  • A clear Lancastrian heir reduced York’s legitimacy in pressing dynastic claims.

  • Margaret of Anjou gained enhanced political leverage as mother of the heir.

The succession question thus intensified rivalries at court, particularly between York and his enemies such as Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, who remained close to Henry and Margaret.

In October 1453, Margaret of Anjou gave birth to Edward of Westminster (Prince of Wales), decisively altering the politics of succession.

Miniature of John Talbot presenting a manuscript to Queen Margaret of Anjou beside Henry VI, c.1444/5. Though earlier, it depicts the royal couple whose roles shaped politics during Henry’s illness. Extra detail shown includes the act of book presentation. Source

The King’s Illness (1453–1454)

In August 1453, Henry VI fell into a catatonic illness, widely regarded as a form of mental breakdown or psychosis, lasting until late 1454. He became incapable of speech, decision-making, or recognising others.

• Consequences of the illness:

  • Government paralysed, as Henry could not perform his royal duties.

  • Patronage and royal authority stalled, leaving nobles to compete more openly.

  • Margaret attempted to claim a regency but was blocked due to concerns over French influence.

This incapacity made the issue of governance urgent, leading to the eventual appointment of York as Protector.

Henry VI’s prolonged incapacity in 1453–1454 paralysed royal decision-making and forced Parliament to find a constitutional workaround.

Tudor-era copy of King Henry VI, conveying the piety and reserve associated with his character. This later portrait anchors study of his role in the 1453–1454 political crisis caused by his illness. Source

The First Protectorate (1454)

In March 1454, Parliament appointed Richard, Duke of York as Protector of the Realm and Chief Councillor. This was a temporary measure until Henry could resume his duties.

Structure of York’s Protectorate

York’s Protectorate was marked by significant decisions aimed at stabilising government while curbing the influence of his enemies:

• Exclusion of Somerset: Somerset, blamed for failures in France and corruption, was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

• Control of Patronage: York attempted to distribute offices and titles fairly, though accusations of self-interest persisted.

• Administration of Justice: York sought to reduce lawlessness and retain the loyalty of powerful magnates.

York’s policies gained support from influential nobles such as Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, but also deepened enmity with Margaret of Anjou, who viewed him as undermining her son’s inheritance.

The Role of Parliament

Parliament was central in legitimising York’s authority:

• It sanctioned his Protectorate, confirming his right to govern in Henry’s name.

• However, Parliament made clear the arrangement would last only until Henry recovered.

• Margaret’s attempts to secure greater authority for herself were firmly rejected, reflecting fears of her French ties and partisanship.

Margaret of Anjou’s Opposition

Margaret of Anjou opposed York’s authority throughout the Protectorate. As mother of the heir, she considered herself the natural regent. Her exclusion heightened tensions between her supporters (including Somerset, once freed) and Yorkist allies.

• Strengthening of factions:

  • Margaret’s court circle formed the nucleus of anti-Yorkist sentiment.

  • Yorkist supporters consolidated around Warwick and Salisbury.

This polarisation of noble allegiance laid the foundations for the open conflict that followed.

The End of the Protectorate (1454)

By December 1454, Henry VI recovered his faculties. He quickly reinstated Somerset and revoked York’s Protectorate, undoing much of York’s influence.

• York lost formal authority but retained his hostility to Somerset and suspicion of Margaret.

• Noble rivalries escalated, with both sides unwilling to compromise.

• The episode revealed the fragility of royal authority and the volatility of noble politics.

This dynamic directly paved the way for the outbreak of armed conflict at St Albans in 1455, the first battle of the Wars of the Roses.

York’s claim rested on senior Plantagenet descent via Lionel of Antwerp and the Mortimer line, challenging the Lancastrian settlement.

Simplified family tree of Lancaster, York, and Tudor lines. It highlights Richard, Duke of York’s descent compared to Henry VI’s, clarifying the succession crisis. The diagram also includes extra detail by extending into the Tudor dynasty. Source

Key Themes for Study

• The dynastic shift caused by Prince Edward’s birth.

• The significance of Henry VI’s illness in destabilising government.

• The temporary experiment of York’s Protectorate, highlighting both its administrative successes and its political limitations.

• The factional struggle between York and Margaret of Anjou, central to the outbreak of civil war.