8 Henry VI: The Exclusion and Resentment of Richard, Duke of York

8 Henry VI: The Exclusion and Resentment of Richard, Duke of York

1. As the king's closest living relative York expected to be 1 of the power brokers at court

   • The fact that he was excluded from the centre of power was a burning source of resentment for him

2. His exclusion was due to 3 factors:

   • The opposition of the king's chief advisers Suffolk + Somerset - who created + led a household or court faction that enabled them to monopolise royal patronage
     • They were not prepared to share power by admitting York into this 'charmed circle', nor were they prepared to tolerate his leadership
   • The Queen, Margaret, did not like + trust York due to his forcefulness, his blood-relationship with Henry + claim to the throne
     • Her suspicions deepened after he became heir-presumptive after Henry's uncle, the Duke of Gloucester's death
     • She succeeded in keeping him at arm's length from both Henry + the court
     • He was his own worst enemy - he was too arrogant, stubborn + demanding
       • Instead of exercising patience + making friendships, he preferred confrontation + challenge
         • He had little time + respect for these whom he considered inferior to him in title, intellect + military skill

3. Having serviced twice with some distinction as the king's military commander in France - he was mortified when he was removed + replaced by Somerset

   • Thus began a bitter feud with him, York suspected him of having 'kingly ambitions' on account of him being the grandson of John of Gaunt son of King Edward III
     • These suspicions intensified the longer Henry remained childless
   • His complaints to Henry + Suffolk that Somerset was ill-equipped to command English armies fell on deaf ears

4. Angry at being owed £38,000 by the Crown for his services in France, he pressed the king to settle at least part of the debt or employ him in some meaningful role

   • In an effort to silence + remove York from England he was given lieutenancy in Ireland - York reluctantly accepted, though his debts remained unpaid + only through financial assistance of his friends + sale of some of his properties that he was able to survive