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Henry VI – Part One

England

Whilst Duke John was kept busy across the Channel, his brother Humphrey was Protector of England. He was popular in some quarters but was ambitious, greedy and rash. Being fully aware of his character defects, the Great Council, which had control of all government appointments, refused to make him Regent of England. However, the Council divided into two factions: one headed by Duke Humphrey and the other by Cardinal Beaufort. Both were greedy and grasping and pursued their own aims. In 1426 the quarrels between the two became so violent that Duke John had to return from France to stop armed attacks on Beaufort.

Marriage of Duke Humphrey to Jacqueline Hainault

The rashness of Duke Humphrey is exemplified by what happened in 1423. Jacqueline of Hainault was married to the Duke of Brabant, which suited the interests of Burgundy. However, Jacqueline was appalled by having this marriage forced upon her, so she took refuge in England and sought protection from Duke Humphrey. Ignoring the possible political repercussions, Duke Humphrey resolved to marry her and thereby acquire her inheritance. After a divorce was obtained the marriage took place. This action was disclaimed by both the English Council and Duke John in France. However, this marked the start of a rift between Burgundy and England.

In October of 1425, after the signing of the Treaty of Saumur, the Duke of Brittany, previously a supporter of England, took over the direction of the war against the English. Therefore, in a very short period England had upset Burgundy and lost the support of Brittany. Thus, the work of Duke John was made all the harder. Added to the political problems was that of finance, as the Parliament in England was becoming increasingly reluctant to pour money into the bottomless pit of war.

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