Quick Question:
If at the Battle of Bosworth in August 1485, both King Richard III and Henry Tudor were killed, would John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln, declare himself King or back his younger cousin, Edward, 17th Earl of Warwick?
Some Background: Lincoln’s claim was through the female line, his mother being the sister of King Richard, whilst Warwicks was through the male line, his father being the older brother of King Richard. Warwick’s claim is tarnished slightly because of an act of attainder against his father. Lincoln was rumoured to be the appointed successor to his uncle, Richard, however, nothing was ever concrete and Richard left no will or instructions in the event of his death. It may seem straight forward in assuming that Lincoln would declare himself King, however, he lead a major rebellion during Henry VII’s reign to restore the house of York and put Warwick on the throne. Historians are split over whether he intended to take the throne of himself or not if successful. I am also unsure about his endgame, but, when reading about Lincoln I never got the impression that he was very ambitious.
Any thoughts?
If at the Battle of Bosworth in August 1485, both King Richard III and Henry Tudor were killed, would John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln, declare himself King or back his younger cousin, Edward, 17th Earl of Warwick?
Some Background: Lincoln’s claim was through the female line, his mother being the sister of King Richard, whilst Warwicks was through the male line, his father being the older brother of King Richard. Warwick’s claim is tarnished slightly because of an act of attainder against his father. Lincoln was rumoured to be the appointed successor to his uncle, Richard, however, nothing was ever concrete and Richard left no will or instructions in the event of his death. It may seem straight forward in assuming that Lincoln would declare himself King, however, he lead a major rebellion during Henry VII’s reign to restore the house of York and put Warwick on the throne. Historians are split over whether he intended to take the throne of himself or not if successful. I am also unsure about his endgame, but, when reading about Lincoln I never got the impression that he was very ambitious.
Any thoughts?