Influence of MOA

• • Married H6 at 15 + him 24
  • French princess
  • Charles VII hoped she could influence H6 into surrendering Maine - worked
• Early years

  • No heir
  • Forged friendships with members of aristocracy - e.g. DOSuffolk
  • Rumours of affair with Suffolk - untrue
  • Demise of S in 1450 damaged her reputation + linked her to defeat in France
• • 1453 - produced an heir - no celebration as H6 ill - denied regency
  • Saw DOY as threat
  • Closely associated with DOS before death - classed as ally - fears grew after his death
  • 1460 - H6 breakdown - Pope Pius II left everything in M's hands
• • After 1455 - influence increased
  • Moved royal court from London to midlands - Kenilworth, Coventry + Chester - smart move as Duchy of Lanc + EOChester had resources to be called upon
  • Financially stronger - closer to assets
• • 1456-57 - meeting of Great Council in Coventry - members expected to show same deference as King
  • 14th Sept - made triumphal entry into Cov - greeted with lavish pageants - king = unnoticed
  • MOA hand no independent authority + had to wkr within pol. framework to gain personal following
• • Jan 1457 - controlled appointments to POW council - linked supporters to Lanc Monarchy + est. her control over wales
  • 1457-59 - warrants issued in name of POW but with her permission