Yorkist victory at St Albans
22 May 1455
Somerset and Earl of Northumberland were killed.
Henry is in good health, so a protectorate is not needed yet.
Battle rid of somerset (evil advisor)
But failed to provide him with the power and position he craved.
Yorks's desire to secure his power.
Parliament met on 9 July 1455 to blame the battle on Somerset and
pardon Yorkists.
Somerset concealed letters to the king by York proving Yorks's loyalty.
Reduced tension and most nobles were inclined to work with York.
Sons of those killed were reluctant to work with York.
The promise of reform
York introduced limits to the expenditure of the royal household.
York officially declared a good Duke Humphrey of Gloucester to have
lived and died a true subject.
Problems in the southwest of England
Failure of the crown to deal with problems in the southwest that
contributed to York being made protector on 19 November 1455
Courtenay attacked Bonville’s men and took control of Exeter.
King took no action against them.
When parliament met in November 1455 York made a protector to deal
with problems in the southwest which he did.
Kings’ health
In Autumn 1455 king suffered a relapse and difficult to govern the
country.
Protectorate had to be set up.
York's only senior male relative to the king and somerset dead so no
alternative.
Lack of an alternative to York
No alternative to rule the country except York.