OCR Specification focus:
‘Edward’s fall from power and the restoration of Henry 1470–1471, including the role of Margaret of Anjou.’
The years 1470–1471 marked a dramatic reversal in English politics, seeing the deposition of Edward IV, the brief readeption of Henry VI, and renewed factional conflict.
The Collapse of Edward IV’s Rule
Edward IV’s authority, though established after his victories in the 1460s, was far from secure by 1470. His reliance on the Woodville family, following his marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, alienated powerful nobles such as Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. Warwick, known as the “Kingmaker”, had been instrumental in Edward’s rise but became increasingly disillusioned with Edward’s policies and perceived ingratitude.
Growing Noble Discontent
Warwick’s grievances included:
The rise of the Woodvilles, who monopolised lucrative marriages and positions.
Edward’s independent approach to foreign policy, notably seeking an alliance with Burgundy rather than France, which undermined Warwick’s influence.
Edward’s attempts to assert direct royal authority at the expense of magnate autonomy.
Clarence’s defection: Warwick aligned with Edward’s brother, George, Duke of Clarence, who also resented his exclusion from power. Their bond was cemented by Clarence’s marriage to Warwick’s daughter, Isabel Neville, without Edward’s consent.
This combination of grievances culminated in a series of uprisings orchestrated by Warwick and Clarence, most notably the rebellions of 1469, which severely tested Edward’s regime.
The Road to the Readeption
By 1470, Warwick and Clarence had been forced into exile after failing to permanently remove Edward from power. Their fortunes revived, however, through an extraordinary reconciliation with Edward’s former enemy, Margaret of Anjou, queen to the deposed Henry VI.
Alliance with Margaret of Anjou
Motivation: Warwick, seeking to topple Edward, needed a legitimate alternative ruler. Margaret sought the restoration of her husband Henry VI and the future security of her son, Prince Edward of Westminster.
Terms of agreement:
Warwick pledged to restore Henry VI to the throne.
Prince Edward was betrothed to Warwick’s younger daughter, Anne Neville.
This alliance marked a radical shift, as Warwick abandoned Yorkist allegiance and embraced the Lancastrian cause.
Edward’s Fall from Power
Warwick returned to England in 1470 with Lancastrian backing. He secured widespread support, exploiting discontent among those alienated by Edward’s rule.
The Restoration of Henry VI
In October 1470, Edward was forced to flee to Burgundy, abandoning his throne.
Henry VI was released from the Tower of London and ceremonially restored to the throne, beginning the brief period known as the Readeption.
Readeption: The brief restoration of Henry VI to the throne from 1470 to 1471 after Edward IV’s temporary deposition.
During this time, Henry was a figurehead; the true power lay with Warwick and his allies.
The Government of the Readeption
Although Henry VI was nominally restored, his incapacity made Warwick the effective ruler of England. This period was marked by efforts to reconcile rival factions and stabilise government.
Warwick’s Authority
Controlled appointments to key offices and directed foreign diplomacy.
Tried to balance Lancastrian supporters and Yorkist defectors, but tensions remained.
Faced challenges in re-establishing Lancastrian loyalty after years of Yorkist dominance.
Limitations of the Readeption
Warwick’s rule was unstable: many magnates distrusted his shift from Yorkist to Lancastrian allegiance.
Clarence’s loyalty wavered, undermining the coalition.
France, initially supportive, proved unreliable, while Burgundy offered refuge and aid to Edward IV.
Edward IV’s Return and the End of the Readeption
Edward capitalised on divisions within Warwick’s regime. With Burgundian support, including financial assistance and troops, he launched a daring return to England in March 1471.
Edward’s Restoration
Initially claiming he sought only his duchy of York, Edward gathered support as he advanced south.
London opened its gates to him, reflecting the capital’s disillusionment with Warwick’s fragile government.
Henry VI was once again deposed, imprisoned in the Tower.
Edward’s victories at the Battle of Barnet (April 1471) and the Battle of Tewkesbury (May 1471) destroyed the Lancastrian leadership, including the deaths of Warwick and Prince Edward of Westminster.
The Role of Margaret of Anjou
Margaret played a pivotal role in facilitating the Readeption by reconciling with Warwick and providing Lancastrian legitimacy. However, her impact was limited:
She remained in France during Warwick’s initial campaign, delaying Lancastrian consolidation.
On her arrival in England in April 1471, she was too late to alter the balance, as Warwick had already been defeated at Barnet.
The final Lancastrian defeat at Tewkesbury sealed the failure of her cause and the end of Henry VI’s restoration.
Margaret of Anjou: Queen consort of Henry VI, a central figure in the Lancastrian cause, known for her determination to defend her husband’s dynasty.
Her capture after Tewkesbury and subsequent imprisonment in England ended her direct influence over English politics.
Key Outcomes of the Readeption
Henry VI’s restoration was short-lived, lasting only six months.
The failure of Warwick’s regime highlighted the fragility of noble coalitions and the challenge of balancing magnate ambitions.
Edward IV’s successful return reasserted Yorkist dominance and ended significant Lancastrian resistance.
The deaths of Warwick, Prince Edward, and later Henry VI (likely murdered in the Tower) removed the core of Lancastrian leadership, consolidating Edward’s power.
FAQ
Edward fled to Burgundy because his sister, Margaret of York, was married to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. This connection provided a natural refuge.
Burgundy also had commercial interests in maintaining strong relations with England, particularly in the wool trade. Supporting Edward was seen as beneficial to both dynastic ties and economic stability.
London was a decisive factor in Edward’s restoration. The city’s merchants and political elites had prospered under Yorkist rule and distrusted Warwick’s unstable Lancastrian coalition.
When Edward marched south in 1471, London’s gates were opened to him, reflecting the city’s preference for Edward’s governance. This move gave Edward immediate access to financial and logistical support.
Propaganda was crucial in framing legitimacy. Warwick portrayed himself as the restorer of Henry VI and peace, while Edward claimed to fight only for his rightful dukedom.
This narrative helped Edward rally support without alarming potential allies. Once he gained strength, he openly pressed his claim to the throne again, demonstrating how propaganda adjusted to political necessity.
Clarence, as Edward’s brother, had significant claim and influence. His alliance with Warwick added credibility to the rebellion.
However, his wavering during the Readeption undermined stability. By eventually reconciling with Edward in 1471, Clarence’s defection was a decisive blow to Warwick’s fragile regime.
Henry VI was captured and placed back in the Tower of London following Edward’s return to London.
After Tewkesbury, and the collapse of the Lancastrian cause, Henry’s position became untenable. He died in the Tower shortly afterwards, widely believed to have been murdered on Edward’s orders to eliminate any remaining Lancastrian figurehead.
Practice Questions
Question 1 (2 marks)
In which year was Henry VI restored to the throne during the Readeption?
Mark Scheme
1 mark for identifying the correct year: 1470.
0 marks for any other year.
(Maximum 2 marks awarded for accuracy of single response.)
Question 2 (6 marks)
Explain two reasons why the Readeption of Henry VI (1470–1471) was unstable.
Mark Scheme
Award up to 3 marks for each reason explained.
Reason 1: Warwick’s reliance on his shifting alliances
1 mark for identifying Warwick as the key power-holder.
1 mark for noting that his authority was based on a fragile coalition of Lancastrians and disaffected Yorkists.
1 mark for explaining that many nobles distrusted his change of allegiance from York to Lancaster, limiting the durability of his government.
Reason 2: Dependence on foreign support
1 mark for identifying France’s role in supporting Warwick’s return.
1 mark for stating that Burgundian support for Edward IV undermined Warwick’s position.
1 mark for explaining that Warwick’s reliance on French backing made his regime vulnerable once Edward secured Burgundian resources and returned to England.
Alternative valid answers may include:
Henry VI’s incapacity as a ruler, leaving Warwick with the burden of governance.
Lack of unity within the Lancastrian camp (e.g., Clarence’s wavering loyalty).
(Maximum 6 marks awarded: 2 x 3 marks.)
