One Hand on the Throne

AT Sandal on 30th December, 1460, Richard rashly left the safety of his castle and engaged the enemy, losing two thousand men.

He was taken prisoner, and Margaret’s men sat him upon an ant-hill, twisted grass for a crown, and mocked him. Then they beheaded him.

His young son Edward, Earl of March, still held King Henry as his captive, and joined with Richard Neville to avenge his father. On 17th February, 1461 they met Margaret’s forces again at St Albans, but this time the Yorkists were defeated, and the King was restored to his family.

Yet Edward judged that Margaret and her unhappy husband had forfeited the country’s love.

He continued to London, where the Bishop of Exeter asked a crowd gathered in Clerkenwell whether they would have Henry for their King. ‘No, no!’ they cried, ‘King Edward! King Edward!’

And where Richard of York had briefly laid a trembling hand, his son took his seat as Edward IV of England.

based on an account by Charles Dickens 1812-1870

Based on ‘A Child’s History of England’ by Charles Dickens.
Précis
Richard’s rash sortie from Sandal Castle ended in his execution, but his son Edward took up the cause at once. Defeat and the loss of the captive King Henry at the Second Battle of St Albans seemed a blow, but Edward trusted to his greater popularity in the country. His guess was right, and he was acclaimed King in 1461.
Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

How did Richard Duke of York die?

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Richard wanted to be king. Margaret was determined to prevent it.

Tags

Mediaeval History 168 Charles Dickens 44 Wars of the Roses 7 History 957

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