Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 4 The Yorkists divided,…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 4 The Yorkists divided, 1478–85: The reasons for the attainder and murder of George, Duke of Clarence in 1478; tensions in the Yorkist camp and the impact of Edward's early death 1483.
This topic examines the fall of George, Duke of Clarence, and the instability that followed Edward IV's death.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This topic examines the fall of George, Duke of Clarence, and the instability that followed Edward IV's death. Clarence's attainder and murder in 1478 resulted from his repeated defiance, his involvement in plots (including the Readeption and the 1477 treason trial of Thomas Burdet), and Edward IV's need to secure the succession for his son. The attainder removed Clarence's legal rights and he was executed in the Tower. After Edward IV died in 1483, tensions in the Yorkist camp intensified: the Woodville faction, Richard of Gloucester's protectorate, and the fate of the Princes in the Tower divided the family and enabled Henry Tudor's later challenge.
What earns the marks
- Explains the reasons for Clarence's attainder: his rebellion, his association with treasonous plots, his conflict with Edward IV over the Neville inheritance, and the king's desire to protect his own line.
- Describes the process and consequences of attainder, including the loss of titles and lands, and how it led to Clarence's execution in 1478.
- Analyses the tensions within the Yorkist camp after 1478, such as rivalry between Gloucester and the Woodvilles, and the disputed succession after Edward IV's death in 1483.
- Assesses the impact of Edward IV's early death: the short reign of Edward V, Richard III's usurpation, the disappearance of the princes, and the opening for Henry Tudor.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating Clarence's murder as simply a personal quarrel.
Put it right by linking it to wider dynastic insecurity and the legal mechanism of attainder.
Assuming Edward IV's death automatically caused civil war.
Put it right by explaining the specific political rivalries and decisions that turned a succession into a crisis.
Confusing the attainder with a simple execution.
Put it right by noting that attainder was a parliamentary act stripping legal rights, which preceded and enabled the execution.
Exam tips
- Use terms such as 'attainder', 'protectorate', and 'usurpation' accurately to show understanding of political and legal processes.
- When discussing 1483, distinguish between the immediate succession dispute and the longer-term consequences for Yorkist rule.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 4 The Yorkists divided, 1478–85: The reasons for the attainder and murder of George, Duke of Clarence in 1478; tensions in the Yorkist camp and the impact of Edward's early death 1483. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In which year was George, Duke of Clarence, attainted and executed in the Tower of London?
Listen
This topic examines the fall of George, Duke of Clarence, and the instability that followed Edward IV's death. Clarence's attainder and murder in 1478 resulted from his repeated defiance, his involvement in plots (including the Readeption and the 1477 treason trial of Thomas Burdet), and Edward IV's need to secure the succession for his son. The attainder removed Clarence's legal rights and he was executed in the Tower. After Edward IV died in 1483, tensions in the Yorkist camp intensified: the Woodville faction, Richard of Gloucester's protectorate, and the fate of the Princes in the Tower divided the family and enabled Henry Tudor's later challenge. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains the reasons for Clarence's attainder: his rebellion, his association with treasonous plots, his conflict with Edward IV over the Neville inheritance, and the king's desire to protect his own line. Describes the process and consequences of attainder, including the loss of titles and lands, and how it led to Clarence's execution in 1478. Analyses the tensions within the Yorkist camp after 1478, such as rivalry between Gloucester and the Woodvilles, and the disputed succession after Edward IV's death in 1483. Assesses the impact of Edward IV's early death: the short reign of Edward V, Richard III's usurpation, the disappearance of the princes, and the opening for Henry Tudor. A common slip: Treating Clarence's murder as simply a personal quarrel. Instead, linking it to wider dynastic insecurity and the legal mechanism of attainder. Exam tip: Use terms such as 'attainder', 'protectorate', and 'usurpation' accurately to show understanding of political and legal processes.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
attainder
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
protectorate
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Readeption
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- attainder
- A parliamentary act that removed Clarence's legal rights, stripping his titles and lands and preceding and enabling his execution in 1478.
- protectorate
- Richard of Gloucester's role after Edward IV died in 1483, amid intensified tensions in the Yorkist camp.
- Readeption
- One of the plots in which Clarence was involved, cited among the reasons for his attainder and murder.
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