Many people in England were relieved when Henry VI’s poor health allowed Richard, Duke of York, to govern instead, but Queen Margaret was not one of them. She forced Richard into exile, but after Henry was captured at Northampton in 1460, Richard returned. Surprisingly, he did not take the throne at once, and Margaret took advantage of his hesitation.

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.

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