Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that the
Parliament of the Devils at Coventry in 1459 was a failure for the Lancastrians.
Source A: An English chronicler’s account of the events of 1459.
In October, 1459, preparations for a battle were well advanced, near the town of Ludlow between King Henry and those faithful to him and Richard, Duke of York, his sons, kinsmen, connections and affinity, especially the earls of Salisbury and Warwick. The King’s party, however, grew stronger every day, with the gathering of great numbers both of nobles and of common people, particularly after Andrew Trollope and his mercenaries from Calais, who had been summoned by the Earl of Warwick, deserted the earls and the duke. As a result, the duke’s army was disbanded and he was forced to retreat to Ireland whilst the earls of March, Salisbury and Warwick fled to Calais. In the meantime, a Parliament having been summoned to Coventry, the duke and earls were attainted and their inheritances transferred to others.
The Crowland Chronicle, 1486
Source B: Extract from the Indictment of Richard, Duke of York, at the Parliament of Devils.
May it please your highness (Henry VI) to recall how you had Richard of York in his youth in your most high presence and noble court before he turned traitor. But the adherents of Jack Cade, your great traitor, on point of death, confessed they intended to have exalted the Duke of York, against all reason, law and truth, to the Crown of England, to which God and nature have ordained that you and your successors should be born. Now let the said Duke of York and the earls of March, Salisbury, Rutland and Warwick, having traitorously levied war against you at Ludford, be declared attainted of high treason and forfeit from them and their heirs all estates, honours and dignities within this your realm of England, and within Wales and Ireland.
Rolls of Parliament, 1459
Source C: An English chronicler’s account of the events leading to the Battle of Wakefield.
In September 1460, Richard, Duke of York came from Ireland and claimed the Crown. On October 31, it was agreed that King Henry should keep the Crown during his lifetime, but that the Crown should return to York’s heirs after his death. The same night, the King was moved from Westminster to London against his will and the duke behaved as if he were King already. The Queen, hearing this, went into Wales and sent messages to her supporters to join her, armed for war. On December 30, her forces attacked York’s army at Wakefield. This good duke and the lords with him were executed.
Gregory’s Chronicle, 1461
Source D: An English chronicler describes the actions of Edward IV at and after his coronation.
At the coronation of Edward IV (28 June 1461) the King created and made dukes his two brothers, the elder George Duke of Clarence and his younger brother Richard Duke of Gloucester. And also the first year of his reign he ordained a parliament, at which were attainted King Harry (VI) and all others that fled with him into Scotland out of England; and for so much as he found in time of great need comfort in his commoners, he granted privileges and charters to the intent to have the more good will and love in his land.
Warkworth’s Chronicle, 1484
[30]
Answer
