Of all the PODs of the war of the roses, this one has, to me, been one of more interesting. In 1452, after successfully eliminating his rival the duke of Suffolk, Richard, Duke of york, rose up in rebellion in order to "clear the realm of bad governance." In truth, it was an attempt to eliminate his enemy the duke of Somerset. Usually, patent, York mistakenly placed his hopes on an uprising from the Londoners. Instead, he found the city gates closed to him, and was soon facing a slightly larger royalist army at Dartford. However, disloyalty and defections within the Yorkist camp forced York to negotiate with Henry, confident from Henry's assurances that Somerset would be banished. However, Margaret of Anjou forced Henry to do a u-turn, so when he arrived he saw, to his horror, Somerset sitting next to the king, and was promptly arrested. It was at this point that;
What if Richard had been executed though? His ally's the Nevilles weren't powerful enough, and his sons too young-if their estate wasn't already seized.How long would the Lancastrians remain in power> Would Henry's son Edward prove a better king? Could any other family pose a threat ot the throne?
when the clamour had died down, and the Queen's virago-like shrieks of 'Traitor' had for the moment ceased, Richard looked the King straight in the eye and denied that he was a traitor. He told the King in no uncertain terms that he had been deceived, and that he was only guilty of putting too much trust in the King's word. The King, not altogether without justification, put great store in his personal honour and this accusation touched him to the very core of his being. For once overruling his wife, who loudly called for Richard's summary execution within the next hour, he formally pardoned Richard and his whole following, bidding them to disperse to their homes forthwith. He kept his word, and no proceedings were ever undertaken to prosecute those who had taken up arms against him.
What if Richard had been executed though? His ally's the Nevilles weren't powerful enough, and his sons too young-if their estate wasn't already seized.How long would the Lancastrians remain in power> Would Henry's son Edward prove a better king? Could any other family pose a threat ot the throne?