Shifting loyalties and the Lancastrian revival: Wakefield; the second Battle of St Albans; the death of York and the restoration of Henry VI
In late 1460 and early 1461, the Lancastrians struck back hard. They killed Richard of York at Wakefield, won a second battle at St Albans, and briefly restored Henry VI to power.
Real World
The Lancastrian recovery of 1460–61 mirrors how a seemingly beaten political faction can regroup quickly when it retains regional support: Margaret drew on the loyalty of northern lords — particularly the Percy family — in the same way a party out of office mobilises its core regional base.
Exam Focus
For 'how far' questions on the Lancastrian revival, weigh Margaret's agency against structural factors like northern noble loyalty to avoid one-sided answers.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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