March 24th 1471: Margaret embarking at last
Prince Edward. The Lancastrian heir to the throne
From the Coventry Tapestry (Photo: Adrian Fray)
In France, Queen Margaret’s movements, or lack of them, was frustrating Warwick. For the plan which had been agreed between him, Margaret and King Louis to work to advantage she should have arrived in England once he’s secured the country and put her husband Henry back on the throne, This was particularly important because King Edward had not been defeated. He’d fled the country and it was clear to Warwick that he would return. Though there was considerable popular support for the Lancastrians, despite the incompetence of their king and the disasters of his reign, Warwick did not have the support of the greatest Lancastrian magnates. The Duke of Somerset and the Earl of Devonshire would only fight for Margaret. He was not greeted as the saviour of the nation and needed a united Royal Family to strengthen his control. A stanza from a George Ashby poem was written as a warning:
And be ye ware of the Reconciled
That have deserved to be reviled,
Margaret’s progress from her reconciliation with Warwick in Amboise in July had been exceedingly slow. Initially it was King Louis’ natural caution. Margaret’s party had to remain whilst a dispensation was awaited from the Pope for the wedding of Edward and Anne, but once this was received and the ceremony completed he still kept them at his court. He was awaiting proof of Warwick’s commitment to his promises. He’d sent an Ambassador to negotiate the details of the alliance against Burgundy and was awaiting the outcome. It was a very detailed treaty and Warwick was aware of the difficulties he’d have when details became public. Louis only let Margaret travel to the coast when he was happy that this was going well. He ordered that she be royally received in Paris, from where she progressed slowly to Harfleur by way of Rouen and Dieppe.
Once she reached the coast, Margaret seemed to be nervous about crossing, fearing the Burgundians and privateers who were furrowing the channel. Warwick waited impatiently, even visiting the coast expecting to greet her arrival on one occasion.
The Great Chronicle of London said: on the 27th day of February the Earle of Warwick road into Kent well accompanied, to receive Queen Margaret and Prince Edward her son, but he was disappointed, for she lay at haven from November till April so she might have any convenient wind to bring her over ; wherefore the Earl of Warwick, after he had Tarried at the Seaside, and could have no certainty of her coming, Returned again.
On 14th March he heard of Edward’s arrival in the north, and he now had a greater priority. He left London for the Midlands.
On 24th, Margaret at last took ship and sailed. The weather was against her though and after being buffeted along the coast of Normandy her fleet was forced into Honfleur, still in France, to await better conditions.