Strength and Weaknesses of the Yorkists by 1461

( + ) Many Lancastrians surrendered and pledged their allegiance to Edward IV eg Lord Rivers
and the support of the aristocracy consolidating Edward’s position as king.
• ( + ) Edward IV had great abilities as a military leader, giving an inspiring battle speech before
Towton to raise morale and exploiting the celestial omen of three suns that appeared at
Mortimer’s Cross. Edward’s leadership was further cemented by the other Yorkist
commanders, who were veterans from the Hundreds’ Year War eg Lord Fauconberg. In
comparison, the Lancastrians had few effective military commanders, and their army had a
bad reputation for plundering (which ultimately prevented Margaret from entering London).
• ( + ) The Yorkists had the majority popular support and were successful in their use of
propaganda (the lead-up to June 1460).
• ( + ) The Yorkists were financially strong, raising finances up to £11 000 from London
merchants. This was in comparison to the financial grievances against Henry VI’s
government.
• ( + ) Strategic sources of support – York holding the lieutenancy of Ireland, the importance of
Calais, and recruiting Burgundian knights.
• ( – ) Margaret and Prince Edward were still a looming threat to Edward’s throne. Margaret
had the support of Scotland and France, and was determined to protect her son’s
inheritance. The Percys and the great castles of Alnwick, Bamburgh, and Dunstanburgh,
showed great resistance. There were also Lancastrian strongholds in Wales. All of these
sources of opposition made Edward’s position uncertain.