based on an account by Charles Dickens 1812-1870

One Hand on the Throne

The Wars of the Roses pitted two royal houses against each other for the crown of England.

1460

King Henry VI 1422-1461, 1470-1471 to King Edward IV 1461-1470, 1471-1483

Introduction

Henry VI was a descendant of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; his closest relative was Richard, Duke of York. From 1455 to 1471, the two royal families, the Red Rose and the White, strove bitterly for the crown of England.

based on an account by Charles Dickens 1812-1870

KING Henry VI suffered from periodic insanity, and his Queen, Margaret of Anjou, was the power behind his throne.

Neither was popular. Many people were glad that after capturing the King at St Albans on May 22nd, 1455, Richard, Duke of York, left Margaret no choice but to reinstate him as Lord Protector, governing in Henry’s stead.

At the first sign of an improvement in Henry, however, Margaret ousted Richard, who withdrew to Ireland; but his loyal friend, Richard Neville, Duke of Warwick, fought on, and Henry’s recapture at Northampton on July 10th, 1460, opened the way to a triumphant return.

Once more in Westminster, Richard of York stood in the House of Lords by an empty throne. For a moment he rested a hand upon it; then drew it back, contenting himself with being named Henry’s successor, disinheriting Henry’s son Edward.

Margaret escaped to Scotland, raised an army, and came south to meet Richard at Sandal, near Wakefield, on December 30th, 1460.

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Précis

Many people in England were relieved when Henry VI’s poor health allowed Richard, Duke of York, to govern instead, but Queen Margaret was not one of them. She forced Richard into exile, but after Henry was captured at Northampton in 1460, Richard returned. Surprisingly, he did not take the throne at once, and Margaret took advantage of his hesitation.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

Why was Richard Duke of York made Lord Protector in 1455?

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Richard captured Henry. He demanded to be Lord Protector. Margaret agreed.

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