Edward V Yorkists

Edward V Yorkists

2005-10-10 21:08:14
Douglas Eugene Stamate
I was wondering if anyone had posited a genuine Edward V faction among the Yorkists? It seemed that if that was accepted then the Hastings' plot of June 1483 would make a lot more sense.
It seems to me that on the death of Edward IV there would have been two Yorkist factions - the Woodvilles and all the rest. When Hastings and Buckingham supported Richard it was as much in support of Edward V, as against the Woodvilles.
Then, when Stillington informed the Council of the Pre-Contract, Hastings (whether out of loyalty to Edward IV and V, greed or whatever) was against Richard's assuming the crown. Seemingly the Stanleys could also be put in this group and I was also wondering about Buckingham.
At some point before the famed Council meeting on 13/20 June, hiwever, Buckingham backed away (could he have been the source of Richard's knowledge about the plot?). The Stanleys seemed to have gone to the brink and then stopped (advised by Morton?).
However, for some reason Hastings continued on with the plot to prevent Richard from accepting the crown - perhaps he thought he could frighten the Council into refusing to support Richard's bid for the throne? (I believe there are other instances of the Council being overawed by armed men from one faction or another, but I don't have them at my fingertips.)
At any rate, Hastings didn't have the support he thought he did, the Council supported Richard and Richard had Hastings executed. A major supporter of a non-Woodville Edward V reign (and a potential supporter of Richard?) had been eliminated.
The interesting thing about this is that there would then have been three Yorkist factions - Richard's supporters, the non-Woodville supporters of Edward V (many of whom in the countryside would not yet know of the Pre-Contract) and the Woodvilles.
There isn't a "paper trail", but why do I think Morton was deeply involved? Divide and conquer?
Anyway, hope this provides some interest,

Doug Stamate



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