Why

was the coronation of Richard II so unusual?

16th July 1377, recorded by Anonimalle Chronicle

One of the key parts of the sacrament early on was the swearing of the oath the
oath was to do with maintaining laws and customs of ancestors, protecting the
Church and promising to rule in a fair and just manner by upholding laws chosen by
the people.
The words justly & reasonably were added to the clause, because the officials found
it too dangerous and unacceptable for a King of such a young age to decree by.
The other unusual feature of the ceremony was the timing of the oath it was taken
before Richard was presented to the congregation for approval. This emphasised the
concept that the people had sworn allegiance to a King who was already their lawful
leader, diminishing any such concept of questioning authority

The coronation confirmed the coming to the throne of a juvenile, who had already
been made heir, apparent the importance of this reinforced in the second
parliament of 1377 when the Archbishop of Canterbury confirmed the legality of
Richards position as King.
It seemed to force Gaunt to defend himself against accusations that he was a traitor
to the crown. Gaunt actually supported the conduction of the coronation, becoming
in line with his record of backing the royal prerogative. His speech to the second
parliament defined his loyalty and support to the King and reassured those who
were doubtful.

Why did the rule by the councils change during the reign of Richard II?

It was known in past history that minority reigns would be assisted by a guardian
otherwise known as a regent, yet in the case of Richard it was pretence that he
would rule in person, but reality was that magnates and later parliament would
select a council, to administer the kingdom.
The first continual council came into operation in July 1377.

First Council:
(July-Oct. 1377)
Consisted of reps of landed gentry earls, barons, prelates, bannerets, knights; all
selected by magnates at a special meeting.
Senior members were Earl of March and Earl of Arundel.
Others were prelates Bishops.
Other key members were four men who had partaken in Edward IIIs court and four
who served the Black Prince. These members had very close ties with Richard and
his family.
Notable omissions were the sons of Edward III; Gaunt, Edmund and Thomas.

Main aim to promote peace and reconciliation between court and commons after
court factions that occurred in 1376.
Council members elected to give sense of continuity in stable government golden
era of Edward IIIs rule.

Were to act in unison and not show favouritism.
Second Council:
(Oct.1377-Oct.1378)
Smaller group from narrower political base.
After stability was established, there appeared to be a desire to break from the past
especially the negative association with the discredited court faction of 1376.

Third Council:
(Oct.1378-80)
Very important changes.
Main aim was to make the disassociation with the past even more evident,
branching from Edward III towards favours of the Black Prince this ensured the
focal point became the princes son and this was their utmost priority.

FINANCE AND RENEWAL OF WAR LED TO THE COUNCIL DOWNFALL.

To what extent did John of Gaunt influence the governance of England during the
minority?

Many disliked Gaunt due to his accumulation of wealth and also because he was
seen as a schemer who would do anything to gain power; particularly established
through the negative association with the court faction of 1376 and his links with
Alice Perrers, not to mention his supporting of other corrupt government officials.
Suspicions arose that he wanted to take the throne; consequently a smear campaign
ensued against him, over distrust and distaste. Gaunt went as far to claim that
sanders such as the above were treasonable offences and accusers would be
punished.
Dispute over Gaunt becoming regency led to the creation of the continual councils;
again created through mistrust.
He wished to detach himself from negativity and the councils themselves,
consequently moving to Kenilworth.
Role of the Church formed a bone of content for Gaunt as he sided with John
Wycliffe on the secularisation of ecclesiastical property, provoking immense spiritual
hatred. Such siding led to conflict between `Gaunt, the royal court and senior clergy
members. Thomas Walsingham recorded much dispute in the St Albans Chronicle.
Showed loyalty to the crown by constantly carrying out his administrative duties.
Impression from chronicles is that John was feared and mistrusted by royal court
members.

To what extent did the renewal of war with France have a detrimental impact on
domestic affairs?

In 1969, the French began to take lead on the war, with the English blaming it on
everything from poor leadership to Gods will. The Treaty of Bruges gave the English
some respite but by June 1377, the war once more resumed.

Between the Bruges Treaty and renewal of war, the French invested in military
replenishment, but the English didnt due to lack of funds. In Jan.1377, parliament
had authorised the collection of a poll tax of 4d per head, but this was diminished
after the death of Edward III. By the end of 1377, consequently, the English navy was
severely depleted 5 ships in commission.
 The French became effective in attacking three coats simultaneously; English South
coast, Aquitaine and Calais, granting success in looting, raiding and capturing new
territory of Condat, Bergerac and Castillon.)
In the second phase the English sent out a fleet on 1 Nov. 1377, however efforts
became hindered by bad weather and mutiny. However the capture of Brest Castle
was successful, in order to relieve an English garrison.
Extra taxes were granted in the Oct-Nov. parliament, allowing the postponed
shipbuilding programme to progress, creating 30 balingers.
An expedition was planned to find sites of fortress construction on the coast of
Brittany, but it became an unmitigated disaster. Gaunt first postponed the mission
from Feb. to June supposedly due to lack of fleet. He believed the programme had
failed to supply him with what he needed to succeed.


Hawley-Shackell Affair:
Expedition 1367 in Spain
1374 Edward III sold half shares
1377 Count of Denia died
August 1378 Hawley and Shakell escaped Tower of London

Hawley-Shakell part of Black Princes expedition to Spain in 1367, capturing the
Count of Denia ransomed for 60 000 crowns 2/3 Prince, 1/3 HS.
Denia was replaced by his son and in 1374; Edward III sold half of his share to HS,
and then the rest the following year. It was incredibly hard to get the ransom, as the
Aragonese were unwilling to pay.
1377 the Count died and the son became a very valuable bargaining tool.
The English crown via the council realised that due to the changing circumstances,
they were entitled to the sum, but HS protested and instead refused to release the
hostage.
After stating their case they were arrested and imprisoned in the Tower, but
escaped and went to take sanctuary in Westminster.
Shakell was arrested but Hawley resisted and was eventually cut down at the high
altar.


Why were the parliaments of 1377 and 1378 so important?

Second Parliament of 1377:
Opening ceremony started with a sermon from the Archbishop of Canterbury,
reinforcing the fact that Richard had lawfully succeeded and inherited and not by
any other way. Needed to prevent challenges from other potential claimants.
After sermon, the commons requested that a liaison committee provide guidance on
the granting of supply. John then asked the King if he would hear him a little on a
weighty matter touching his own person.

Parliament of 1378(22 Oct.-16 Nov.)

Parliament held in Gloucester, so as to detach parliament from popular resentment
over the HS affair.
 Parliament discussed threat from other countries, particularly France, with members
speaking to defend the Barbican policy. This involved construction of fortresses on
territory overseas that was in the hands of the English Calais, Cherbourg, Brest,
Bordeaux and Bayonne. Not only a protecting device but bases from which further
offensives could be launched.
On 20th September, Papal Schism established, but court maintained their support for
Pope Urban, declaring that anyone who opposed such support would suffer
consequences for disobeying the law.

Why did the continual councils not continue?

The commons were outraged over the debacle of the Brittany crisis, blaming the
continual council for the lack of success, particularly because of how costly the
expedition proved to be. It was too much for them to accept.
Could not discuss or affect taxation policies as had no commons reps.
No influence over military action.
Nigel Saul scapegoats.
King was now old enough to dominate singularly.

Council had helped restore domestic stability after turmoil witnessed in last years of
Edward III.

Honesty and prudence had been brought to the handling of the crowns monies
careful of grants to the crown and sanctioning new taxes.

Avoidance of accusations of corruption.

Regularly asked for different opinions on matters creating large gatherings or Great
Councils discussed variety of issues e.g. HS Affair. It seemed meetings were much
more effective in getting things done than parliament sessions.

Diversity from which councillor came from ensured no clique or faction dominated
the minority.