Filling the political vacuum: the rule of Richard of York as Protector of England
When Henry VI suffered a complete mental collapse in 1453, Richard of York stepped in to govern England as Lord Protector. York held real executive power — but only for as long as Henry remained incapacitated.
Real World
York's Protectorate closely parallels the Council of Regency that governed England for the young Henry VI after 1422: in both cases, a powerful duke held executive authority temporarily, with that authority contingent on the king's incapacity rather than any permanent grant of power.
Exam Focus
Stress the word 'temporary' — York's Protectorate was legally conditional; this limits what you can claim about his constitutional ambitions.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?