Question 1
1 ‘Richard, Duke of York’s reaction to the birth of Henry VI’s heir demonstrated his loyalty.’
Use the four sources in their historical context to assess how far they support this view.
Source A: Extract from a contemporary chronicle written by a vicar in the mid-fifteenth century, but probably copying another work by an exceptionally well-informed Londoner who was possibly Clerk to the Signet.
The king became very ill at Clarendon and, although he eventually recovered, his sickness lasted a long time. On 13 October, 1453, Edward, son of King Henry VI, was born at Westminster and baptised with great solemnity. When the royal council realised the king’s health was not improving and feared the ruin of the realm under the duke of Somerset’s governance was imminent, the magnates of the kingdom sent for the duke of York who came to the council with a small retinue. The duke of Somerset was charged with treason on many counts and this evil man arrested. In February, 1454, Parliament made the duke of York lieutenant of the realm.
Benet’s Chronicle
Source B: Extract from a contemporary chronicle written by a London lawyer and judge who also served as an elected notary of the city before dying in 1461.
In the summer of 1453, the king suddenly lost his wit and reason. On October 13, the queen had a prince, on account of which bells rang in every church and Te Deum* was solemnly sung, though the people spoke strangely of this birth. The duke of Somerset was committed to the Tower as a prisoner and soon afterwards the duke of York was made protector of England and the earl of Salisbury chancellor and they honourably ruled and governed. On January 26, 1455, the duke of Somerset was taken out of the Tower and, as a result, the duke of York gave up the king’s sword and ceased to be protector.
*Te Deum – a hymn praising God, sung on special occasions
Bale’s Chronicle
Source C: A letter sent from London to the duke of Norfolk, describing events there and included in the correspondence of a prominent Norfolk gentry family.
At prince Edward’s coming to Windsor, the duke of Buckingham took him in his arms and presented him to the king, but the king gave no answer. The queen desired the king to bless her son but she, too, departed without any expression from the king. The duke of York will be in London next Friday night with his household retinue, well-attired and likely men. The earl of March comes with him with another good fellowship of men, with jackets, helmets and other armour. The earls of Salisbury, Warwick, Richmond and Pembroke come with the duke of York, too, each with a goodly fellowship of men while the earl of Warwick will have a further 1000 men awaiting on him, too.
Paston Letters, January 19, 1454
Source D: Margaret of Anjou attempts to rally support in London after the Battle of Wakefield and states her view of Richard, Duke of York.
The late duke of York, with extreme malice, long hid under colours, plotted to destroy King Henry. He falsely claimed a right to the throne, contrary to his allegiance and several solemn oaths freely sworn by him. He would have deposed King Henry, had it not been for the unchangeable loyalty of you and others, his true subjects, for which we thank you heartily. Out of pure malice, he proposed to continue in his cruelty to our utter undoing and that of our son the prince.
Margaret of Anjou, letter, January 1461
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Answer
