Roger Mortimer, 4th earl of March was heir presumptive to King Richard II and died in 1398 at the age of 24 in a skirmish in Ireland. March was quite popular receiving a 'rapturous' reception at the Shrewsbury parliament of 1398 and spent most of his career as Lieutenant of Ireland. To avenge his death Richard personally went to Ireland to subdue the Irish and while he was away Henry Bolingbroke returned from exile and ultimately claimed the throne. As his heir March left a 7 year old son who was in no position to enforce his own rights to the crown following the overthrow of Richard II and the death of March could be seen as key in easing the way for Henry's successful usurpation.
So my question is what happens if Mortimer survives? Presuming Gaunt still dies in 1399 and Richard confiscates the Lancastrian inheritance, how does Henry's return go with the King in the country to personally oversee the royal response? What does Mortimer do?
So my question is what happens if Mortimer survives? Presuming Gaunt still dies in 1399 and Richard confiscates the Lancastrian inheritance, how does Henry's return go with the King in the country to personally oversee the royal response? What does Mortimer do?