Proclamation of Edward IV as King; Yorkist victory at Towton; the…

The idea

Following the Lancastrian failure to secure London, Edward, Earl of March, capitalised on the capital's Yorkist sympathies and was proclaimed King Edward IV in March 1461. To secure his tenuous claim, Edward marched north, culminating in the decisive Yorkist victory at the brutal Battle of Towton. This victory demonstrated Yorkist strengths: Edward's charismatic military leadership, Warwick's logistical support, and crucial financial backing from London merchants. However, significant weaknesses remained by 1461. The Yorkist regime lacked widespread support among the traditional higher nobility, faced ongoing Lancastrian resistance in the north and Wales, and relied heavily on the over-mighty Neville family for stability.

What earns the marks

• Analyse the political manoeuvring that led to the proclamation of Edward IV, highlighting the role of London and the justification that Henry VI had breached the Act of Accord.
• Evaluate the factors contributing to the Yorkist victory at Towton, including weather conditions, Edward's leadership, and the late arrival of Norfolk's forces.
• Identify Yorkist strengths by 1461, such as control of the capital, merchant financial support, and the formidable military partnership of Edward and Warwick.
• Assess Yorkist weaknesses by 1461, particularly the survival of Margaret and Henry VI, and the disproportionate reliance on the Neville affinity.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Stating that Towton completely destroyed the Lancastrian cause.

  Put it right: Margaret, Henry, and key supporters escaped to Scotland to continue their resistance.

• Assuming Edward IV was crowned before Towton.

  Put it right: He was only proclaimed king in March 1461 and formally crowned in June after securing military victory.

• Overstating Yorkist noble support.

  Put it right: A significant weakness in 1461 was that the majority of the peerage had actually fought for the Lancastrians at Towton.

Exam tips

• Link Edward's proclamation as king directly to the Lancastrian failure to enter London after the Second Battle of St Albans.
• Use the Battle of Towton to illustrate Edward IV's personal strengths as a military commander compared to the passive Henry VI.
• When evaluating Yorkist weaknesses in 1461, focus on the geographical divide, noting that Lancastrian sentiment remained strong in the North and Wales.