Edward IV and the Wars of the Roses by Santiuste David

Author:Santiuste, David [Santiuste, David]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: HISTORY / Medieval
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
Published: 2010-06-14T16:00:00+00:00

Perhaps it is true that Edward did not respect Warwick’s abilities as a commander, although Chastelain’s comments may be derived from Edward’s bravado at the Burgundian court in the following year. Yet it is difficult to accept Commynes’ conclusions.65 For instance, Edward drew upon his own experience of exile in 1459–60, and his agents took steps to ensure that neither Calais or Ireland could be used as a rebel base. Furthermore, Edward made a personal visit to Sandwich and Dover, to ensure the defences were in good order and that his captains were alert. Edward also used Warwick’s own methods against him. Some of the earl’s ships, including the Trinity, became part of the royal fleet.66 Edward’s ships were supported by a substantial fleet from Burgundy, where Warwick’s piracy had caused great anger. Warwick’s ships had continued to engage in piracy, from their bases in the Seine, but the Anglo-Burgundian fleet achieved an effective blockade. This caused Warwick immense frustration. It took great tenacity on Warwick’s part to persuade Louis’ agents, and the French king himself, of the need to provide him with renewed financial support.67 There were tensions between Warwick’s men and the local people; a mutiny was narrowly averted.

In early August Edward was informed of yet another rising in the north, under the leadership of Lord FitzHugh, Warwick’s brother-in-law. Presumably this rebellion was intended to create a diversion, in order to assist Warwick’s invasion, although the earl remained confined to the Seine estuary. Edward, now ever conscious of the dangers of rebellion in the north, resolved to deal with the matter himself: ‘the King has sent for his feedmen to come to him, for he will go to put them down’.68 By 16 August Edward was at Ripon, and FitzHugh’s rebellion crumbled in the face of the determined royal advance. FitzHugh fled to Scotland. To an extent, though, FitzHugh’s rebellion succeeded, because Edward was still in the north when Warwick finally arrived. In early September storms broke up the Anglo-Burgundian blockade, meaning that Warwick’s invasion fleet was finally able to sail. On 9 September Warwick and Clarence set out for England. Their journey was unopposed and they landed safely in Devon. Jasper Tudor made for Wales, as ever, although the rest of the army moved rapidly north-east. Warwick recovered his artillery at Bristol, and by the time they reached Coventry the invaders had raised a large army. This time they attracted some noble support, as the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Stanley appear to have joined their army. Should Edward be criticised for his decision to move north? Some contemporaries did suggest it was a mistake,69 although most recent historians have appreciated Edward’s dilemmas.70 Edward’s experience had taught him that a northern rebellion could not be allowed to grow unchecked, and how could he have known for certain where the invaders would land? It is not as though Edward was completely isolated. York was an important supply centre, on the Great North Road to London. Assuming that his

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