Origins

• A cause of Cade's rebellion was due to a trade embargo on English cloth with the Low countries.
• The Duke of Suffolk was accused of embezzling the King's money and land. His 5 year banishment was seen as far too lenient.
• Humphrey Stafford led a group of King's men to follow the rebels. This group was ambushed at Sevenoaks and Stafford was killed.
• The rebels marched into London, a victim being Lord Saye who was associated with the Duke of Suffolk.
• The Duke of York was the great grandson of Edward III through his father.
• York's childless uncle, the Duke of York died in 1415 and inherited his title and lands
• In 1425, he inherited the Mortimer estates, making him the most powerful and rich noble in England.
• In 1429, Richard married Cecily Neville
• During York's first Lieutenancy (1436-37) he recovered many lost areas in Normandy. The war was very costly and he had to fund it through his own estates.
• During York's second lieutenancy, he was promised an annual income of £20,000, however this proves insufficient and had to pay using his own estates.
• When Henry was made LL of Ireland, he was owed nearly £39,000 by the crown.
• During York's protectorate, he put many Yorkists in power. For example, Salisbury was made chancellor and York made himself Captain of Calais, replacing Somerset.
• After York's protectorate, his actions were completely reversed, Somerset was made Captain of Calais again. Salisbury resigned as chancellor.
• When York headed to London with an army in 1452, the city gates barred against him on Henry command. His coup was a complete disaster as he was only supported by the Earl of Devon and was defeated by the royal army.