Henry VI and Richard of York
I can describe how Richard, Duke of York, came to challenge the rule of King Henry VI.
Henry VI and Richard of York
I can describe how Richard, Duke of York, came to challenge the rule of King Henry VI.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Unlike his successful warrior-king father, Henry VI was a weak Lancastrian king, lacking leadership and strength.
- Between 1450 and 1453 England lost land in France including Normandy and Gascony and rebellion rose in southern England.
- Henry VI collapsed and Richard, Duke of York, a noble of royal blood, seized his chance to take control of government.
- In December 1454, Henry VI resumed his rule and excluded York from government, leading to the Battle of St Albans.
- England had become unstable due Henry's weakness and York's willingness to use force against him.
Common misconception
Students may believed that the Yorkists and Lancastrians were from different families.
The Lancastrians and Yorkists were both part of the Plantagenet family.
Keywords
House - a family title, often used by royalty, which consists of monarchs who are related to each other
Normandy - a region in northern France
Gascony - an area of southwestern France which was owned by the English from 1151-1453
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
monarchs who are related to each other
a region in northern France
an area of southwestern France, lost by the English in 1453