Warwick: The Man Behind The Wars of the Roses

by Tony Riches

  Richard knew Edward’s real concern would be that if the marriage took place, he might start trying to make Isabel queen by whatever means he could. There was still the question of Edward’s legitimacy, although he found it hard to see George ever taking Edward’s place, although the idea of his daughter one day becoming queen certainly appealed.

  Richard could already see further changes at court in the short time he had been away. New people he had never met before replaced the familiar faces. Forty new Knights of the Order of the Bath had been created at Elizabeth’s coronation. He guessed they were Woodville supporters and self-serving opportunists, appointed through favours rather than through merit. To his annoyance, he was kept waiting outside the king’s chamber. Richard recognised the king’s voice and heard him laughing at some joke through the heavy wooden door, which was guarded by two armed men in royal livery.

  When at last he was ushered in, Richard was surprised to see Edward was seated with the dour Sir William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. He nodded to Sir William, a loyal supporter of the York cause, rewarded for his service with the lands and title of the Lancastrian Jasper Tudor. He was also now the guardian of young Henry, Earl of Richmond, son of Edmund Tudor and Margaret Beaufort.

  Richard was also aware that Sir William’s son and heir had recently been betrothed to Elizabeth’s ten year old sister, Mary Woodville. There was every possibility he would agree to take part in Richard’s downfall in return for his son to marry into the royal line. Richard doubted that Sir William had been enjoying a joke with Edward and realised whoever he’d heard could have left by another door. Worse still, they might be listening out of sight behind one of the decorative screens. He guessed it could have been the queen or her father Earl Rivers. The thought of either made him feel at a disadvantage.

  Edward greeted Richard without a smile. ‘We have a most serious matter to discuss. A messenger was captured when we took Harlech Castle.’ He looked across at Sir William and gestured for him to continue.

  William Herbert spoke with a deep Welsh accent. ‘He carried a letter from Margaret of Anjou.’ He glanced at Edward, who gestured for him to go on. ‘The letter was intended to be delivered to you, Earl Warwick, in secret.’ He produced a folded parchment with a broken red wax seal and handed it to Richard.

  They both watched Richard’s reaction as he opened the letter and read it. Written in French and not in the neatly written hand of a scribe, the style was difficult for him to read. Although in different circumstances he wouldn’t be certain the signature was Queen Margaret’s, he knew it to be genuine. Incredibly, his sworn enemy was asking him to support her in a Lancastrian uprising against the house of York.

  Richard’s mind raced as he wondered where all this was leading. There was no need to deny any knowledge of the letter and he decided to simply dismiss it. He refolded it and handed the letter back to Sir William. Aware that he was in a dangerously vulnerable position, he looked across at the two men, trying to judge Edward’s mood.

  Edward finally broke the silence. ‘The letter indicates that Margaret of Anjou is hopeful of support from your friend King Louis of France.’

  Richard spoke as confidently as he could. ‘The King of France has agreed to sign a treaty promising not to support the Lancastrians. You need have no concerns on that account.’

  ‘I hope you are right, Warwick.’ Edward’s voice was firm. ‘I mean to deal harshly with those who would plot against my family. The messenger has provided Sir William with the names of conspirators here in London.’ He looked directly at Richard. ‘He has named a servant of your deputy in Calais, Lord Wenlock.’ He waited for Richard to respond.

  It was the first time Edward had called him Warwick. ‘You have my word, Edward. The last I heard of Margaret of Anjou, she was living in poverty, abandoned by even her most loyal supporters.’ He looked at Sir William dismissively. ‘I hope you agree Lord Wenlock has more than proved his loyalty to you?’

  Edward thanked Sir William, who collected his papers together and left. Richard knew Edward well enough to know that there was more to come.

  Edward looked at him sternly. ‘I am concerned, Warwick. It seems I have not made myself clearly understood.’ He held the silence, waiting for Richard to respond.

  Richard tried to sound confident. ‘What are you referring to, Edward?’

  ‘I forbade you to discuss marriage of your daughters with my brothers, yet I learn this is precisely what you have done.’

  He was being lured into a trap. If he denied his secret meetings with George he could be proved a liar. If he admitted them, it would be seen as a direct affront to the authority of the king. His only course of action was to admit his transgression.

  ‘You will understand, Edward, I only wish to do the best for my daughters.’

  Edward eyed him impassively.

  Richard continued. ‘It is my duty to make a good marriage for them both.’

  ‘It is your duty to obey your king and liege lord!’

  Richard remained silent. The last time Edward shouted at him, he had been certain the drink had affected his judgement. This was different.

  Edward seemed to calm himself a little. ‘At least you don’t try to deny your actions. I have spoken to my brothers and told them they are not permitted to marry their cousins.’ He gestured for Richard, who had been standing, to sit in one of the empty chairs.

  Edward lowered his voice, so as not to be overheard. ‘You know, Richard, that I do not question your loyalty or forget our friendship?’

  ‘Of course, Edward.’

  ‘I want you to make sure King Louis of France does nothing to support Margaret of Anjou. I will give you a letter of goodwill to take to him.’

  Richard was grateful. ‘I’ll leave for France as soon as I can. I believe the prospect of a peace treaty is closer now than it has ever been.’

  Edward stood, a sign the meeting was now over. ‘Take care, Richard.’

  Richard thought over those words, replaying the meeting in his head as he rode back to Warwick to make the arrangements for his journey to France. He was glad to be at last able to finalise the treaty with France, yet now his plan to marry Isabel to George was compromised. He knew only Edward’s good nature had saved him from the Tower. Richard cursed Margaret of Anjou for placing him in such danger. His enemies would make mischief from her letter once word of its contents got out, which it surely would.

  Chapter 22 - Spring 1467

  The entire population of La Bouille, a normally peaceful Normandy village on the wooded banks of the Seine, turned out to see the King of France. Although the king had wished to be there to meet them, Richard took advantage of a favourable combination of wind and tide, sailing up the river from the port of Honfleur, where he had been welcomed as royalty and presented with the keys to the city.

  The main road through the village was decorated with colourful flags and banners, which fluttered in the light spring breeze, creating a celebratory atmosphere. Richard’s fleet of ships carried two hundred men from Sandwich, including trumpeters, a dozen mounted knights and their squires. Together with his personal guard, dressed in new red livery with banners of the bear and ragged staff, they lined both sides of the road.

  The sound of trumpets and cheering people echoed through the village, heralding the arrival of the king’s party as it made its way to where Richard waited. King Louis seemed keen to impress, as for once he wore his royal robes and was escorted by chevaliers. The elite knights of the king’s guard were mounted on white chargers and each carried the flowing blue banner of the king, with golden fleurs-de-lis.

  Richard approached them as the king dismounted from his horse. ‘Welcome, my lord, you do me a great honour.’

  The king bent double coughing at the effort of his ride, then greeted Richard in French. ‘Earl of Warwick, it is good to see you after such a long time.’ He hugged Richard warmly.

  Richard was concerned to see that despite his effusive manner the king looked unwel
l and his cough sounded like the symptom of a deeper problem. He also looked much older than at their secret meeting three years before at the grand castle of Amboise.

  ‘It is good to be meeting officially at last, Your Grace.’

  The king acknowledged his reference to their secret meeting and lowered his voice. ‘I regret there will not be any hunting this time, although there is much for us to discuss.’

  ‘This time I also have authority from King Edward to finalise a truce between our countries.’

  The king seemed pleased. ‘Good. I will escort you to Rouen, Earl Warwick.’

  Richard pointed back to his ships, moored at the quayside. ‘Will you sail with us to the city, Your Grace?’

  King Louis seemed to consider it for a moment then made a decision. ‘I am not much of a sailor. I will ride ahead and arrange a grand reception for you.’

  Richard watched the king’s party leave. He studied the river and turned to his captain. ‘Am I right in thinking the tide is no longer in our favour?’

  ‘You are, my lord. We will have to wait. The Seine is noted for strong currents and shallow water.’

  Richard stared at the fast-flowing river, watching as an uprooted tree flowed past. Its branches stuck out of the water like skeletal hands and he tried not to think of it as a bad omen. ‘I’ve heard the spring tides bring a flood?’

  ‘Yes, my lord. They call it the mascaret. It has claimed many ships on their way upriver to Rouen.’

  ‘In that case the main fleet will return to the deep water at Honfleur. We need only three ships to carry the rest of the men to the city.’

  While he waited for the tide Richard pondered on his mission and what he could hope to achieve. The treaty was not a forgone conclusion, as the prospect of a Burgundian marriage with Edward’s sister would displease King Louis. There was also the question of how Edward would react on his return. Their last meeting had been amicable although he wondered how he would ever regain Edward’s trust, whatever the outcome of his negotiations in Normandy.

  By mid-afternoon their ships were ready to sail. Although the tide had turned, the water was still low. Richard was keen to arrive in Rouen in daylight and gave the order to sail. There was a real danger of running aground on the raised banks so they made slow progress, the sailors swinging lines weighted with lead and shouting out the depth. Richard felt the keel of his ship grinding on the gravel of the river bed at one point, and was relieved when the rising water floated them clear.

  At last the tall spires of the city of Rouen came into view. Richard had never visited the historic city where King Edward was born and Anne’s father had died. He frowned as he remembered how his old rival Henry Beaufort lost the city to the French eighteen years before.

  They were welcomed by a band of musicians as they moored at the quayside. The crowd of curious onlookers cheered as Richard shook hands with the king, who greeted them on the quayside with his entourage. Once the men and horses were safely ashore, the king led them in a grand procession through the town to the old cathedral of Notre Dame, where they gave thanks and prayed for peace in front of a packed congregation.

  Richard was shown to his rooms at the lodge of the Dominican friars and was invited to a royal reception at the king’s palace, the Château Bouvreuil. A grand banquet was prepared, with Richard as guest of honour. He was surprised to be introduced to the queen, who had travelled to Rouen for the banquet. Surrounded by a chattering group of ladies in waiting, Queen Charlotte was now slim and attractively dressed in a flowing silk dress decorated with silver and gold. As they were introduced she gave no sign they had met before, although Richard saw a flash of recognition in her eyes.

  Many important nobles from all over France arrived and were all keen to be introduced, curious to see the man they had heard so much about. Richard sensed that some were still reserved about a peace treaty with England, although they were all duly respectful to him and his officers. Afterwards the king invited Richard to join him in his private rooms. Unlike the finely decorated reception rooms at the chateau, the king’s apartments had low ceilings and rustic furniture.

  King Louis had changed into his more comfortable, plain hunting clothes and could see Richard was surprised at the simple furnishing of his rooms. ‘We can talk privately here.’ He poured them both a generous goblet of brandy. ‘And there is also a connecting passage to your lodgings.’ He lowered his voice almost to a whisper. ‘Out of sight of Burgundian spies.’

  Richard thanked the king. ‘I am most grateful for your hospitality, Your Grace.’

  Louis looked pleased. ‘And I am grateful that you travel all the way to Normandy in person, Earl Warwick. It is so unsatisfactory to discuss such important matters through intermediaries.’ He took a sip of his brandy, savouring it for a moment. ‘Now we must discuss your terms for an agreement.’

  Richard tasted the brandy before answering. He felt its warmth flowing through his body. ‘All we ask, my lord, is that you do not support Margaret of Anjou or her Lancastrian supporters against the house of York.’

  ‘And what do you offer me in return?’

  ‘We commit not to support Burgundy in any action against France.’

  Louis looked at Richard quizzically. ‘Yet your king is planning to take Charles of Burgundy as a brother-in-law?’

  Richard could see his plans unravelling. ‘That has been discussed, although nothing has been agreed, Your Grace.’

  Louis looked pleased. ‘In that case I would like to find a French suitor for Margaret of York.’ He noticed Richard’s hesitation. ‘And I will provide a dowry of gold fit for the sister of the King of England.’ He warmed to the idea. ‘I will also pay the king in gold for each year our treaty of peace endures, and remove the restrictions on English merchants, as a gesture of our continued goodwill.’

  ‘I am sure, Your Grace, that King Edward would be most interested to hear your proposals.’

  Louis leaned forward in his chair. ‘What if he persists with his plans for a treaty with Burgundy?’

  Richard was prepared for the question. ‘I am confident that I am able to persuade him.’

  ‘It would be useful to have a plan.’ The king paused significantly. ‘Just in case?’

  Richard recalled how one of the French ambassadors mentioned the possibility of the Lordship of Normandy. He took another sip of the fine brandy. He had been drinking wine at the reception and was aware he needed to keep a clear head. ‘What do you have in mind, Your Grace?’

  ‘You could restore King Henry to the throne.’

  Richard realised from the way Louis was watching his reaction this was not an idea that had only just occurred to him. He wondered if the hand of Margaret of Anjou was behind the suggestion. ‘King Henry Henry is a good, pious man, although not fit to rule England.’

  ‘Henry would be a good King if he had you, Earl Warwick, to oversee the rule of the country in his stead?’

  Richard looked at Louis and saw a twinkle in his eye. He was enjoying the intrigue. ‘I don’t need to remind Your Grace that King Henry has a wife waiting for the chance to put her son on the throne?’

  Louis lowered his voice. ‘The suggestion was made to me by her brother the Duke of Calabria. If King Edward rejects our offer of peace, I could ensure my cousin Margaret of Anjou sets aside past differences between you.’ He sat back, looking pleased with himself.

  Richard had to think fast. ‘You are full of surprises, Your Grace. You can be assured I’ll do everything in my power to see a lasting peace with France.’

  Louis leaned forward again. ‘All I ask is that you think on this, and also another offer I have for you.’

  ‘And what would that be, Your Grace?’ Richard was interested.

  ‘If it comes to war with Burgundy, I could make you a prince. All of Holland and Zeeland could also be yours, your own kingdom.’

  Richard was surprised. This was something he had never considered. He suddenly saw how his base at Calais could be extended to b
ecome an empire. Tired from the long day and feeling slightly dazed by the strong brandy and the unexpected turn their discussions had taken, he thanked the king for his hospitality and returned to his rooms to think on all he had heard.

  His meetings with the king continued for eight days, with grand banquets and tours of the city, including a visit to the market square where Joan of Arc had been burned at the stake. News of the death of Philip of Burgundy surprised no one, although it meant Charles was now to become the new duke and even more of a threat to their plans.

  On the final day of his visit Richard watched with Louis while a scribe prepared two copies of the agreement, which they both signed. It would have to be ratified by Edward in person, although that should be easier now the document had been signed by the King of France. As Richard bid farewell to King Louis he had mixed feelings about the deal they had agreed. In his heart Richard knew Edward would not hesitate to break the hard won truce at the first opportunity. If that were to happen, he would need to be ready to act.

  Richard’s brother George was waiting with Anne and his daughters for Richard’s return to Warwick Castle. Richard hugged his wife and shook hands with his younger brother, pleased and surprised to see him, although he immediately knew from his brother’s demeanour that the news he brought was not good. The death of the Duke of Burgundy would change Edward’s position regarding Charles and he was keen to catch up with events in his absence.

  ‘What is it, George?’

  ‘Edward rode out to my residence with his men and demanded my seal of office.’ George looked directly at Richard. ‘He has replaced me as Chancellor.’