Edward VI and Royal Authority
To what extent did Edward IV restore royal authority in the years 1471 1483?
Edward IV restored some elements of royal authority in the years 1471 – 1483, he had destroyed his opposition or forced them into exile, he used family member to control more volatile regions and took a keen interest in law and order. In addition he improved the English economy and made a somewhat successful invasion of France. Although some would argue that Edward failed at restoring Royal authority because his heirs were only young at his time of death, Nobel rivalry thought England and his foreign policy had begun to go wrong.
Firstly Edward forced his enemies to flee to countries in exile or killed them. This was important in restoring royal authority because otherwise these people could revolt or usurp him. One example of this was when Edward forced Warwick to flee to France and then his armies killed Warwick on the battlefield at Barnet. This allowed Edward to secure and consolidate royal authority in England.
Secondly Edward outsourced some power to his nobles for them to protect and manage more volatile regions in England. Tis allowed the restoration of royal authority because it made sure that Edward had loyal nobles spread out across the country in strongholds, this would help stop rebellions and foreign armies invading. One example of this is when Edward gave his brother Richard duke of Gloseter the task of governing the north. The north at this time was a volatile region wit several disloyal lords to Edward as well as Scottish skirmishers crossing the borders into England.
Thirdly Edward took a keen interest in the law. He began to assume the judgement seat in Westminster. This gave him control of any Nobel who ended up there being accused of crimes, this therefore allowed Edward to have more influence and helped restore royal authority. Another example is that Edward went on Judicial process thought England and this helped him spread his power base and gave him more
Edward IV restored some elements of royal authority in the years 1471 – 1483, he had destroyed his opposition or forced them into exile, he used family member to control more volatile regions and took a keen interest in law and order. In addition he improved the English economy and made a somewhat successful invasion of France. Although some would argue that Edward failed at restoring Royal authority because his heirs were only young at his time of death, Nobel rivalry thought England and his foreign policy had begun to go wrong.
Firstly Edward forced his enemies to flee to countries in exile or killed them. This was important in restoring royal authority because otherwise these people could revolt or usurp him. One example of this was when Edward forced Warwick to flee to France and then his armies killed Warwick on the battlefield at Barnet. This allowed Edward to secure and consolidate royal authority in England.
Secondly Edward outsourced some power to his nobles for them to protect and manage more volatile regions in England. Tis allowed the restoration of royal authority because it made sure that Edward had loyal nobles spread out across the country in strongholds, this would help stop rebellions and foreign armies invading. One example of this is when Edward gave his brother Richard duke of Gloseter the task of governing the north. The north at this time was a volatile region wit several disloyal lords to Edward as well as Scottish skirmishers crossing the borders into England.
Thirdly Edward took a keen interest in the law. He began to assume the judgement seat in Westminster. This gave him control of any Nobel who ended up there being accused of crimes, this therefore allowed Edward to have more influence and helped restore royal authority. Another example is that Edward went on Judicial process thought England and this helped him spread his power base and gave him more