The rule of Richard of York as Protector of England

• • York delayed in returning to Eng – Remained in Ireland for next 3 months + other Yorkists ruled in King’s name
  • Lancs replaced by Yorks in key roles  
  • Enemies still at large incl. Margaret + Somerset
  • Northern and south-western counties + Wales + the Marches did not accept the new govt
  • Yorkist support in southern + eastern Eng. + London
• • 7th Oct 1560 – Yorkist govt. summoned Parl
  • 8th Sept 1460 – York returned – displayed the royal banner + acted in the manner of king.  
  • Carried his sword borne upright before him – only done by the King of Eng. he throne.  
  • Arrival timed to coincide with opening of Parl – when entered Westminster he laid his hand on the throne to claim it – not met with the acclaim he expected 
  • York not content to just control govt. on Henry’s behalf – now laid claim to the throne – cited inheritance through Lionel, Duke of Clarence, son of Ed3
• • Parl. not prepared to consent - meant removal of king who had reigned for nearly 40 yrs
  • 16th Oct – York forced to submit a written claim to the throne – gave time for Parl. + Henry to stall  
  • 25th Oct – Compromised with an Accord - Henry to remain on the throne + York was to govern as Protector of Eng. 
  • York named as H6 heir
• • Discord in Yorkist camp – Archbishop Bourchier refused to participate in coronation of York + Warwick was not on York’s side
  • York’s claim he had been rightfully king all along was not accepted + vindicated arguments that this had been his plan all along