Gone Medieval: The Murder of Henry VI – Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Gone Medieval, hosted by Matt Lewis from History Hit, medieval military historian Andrew Boardman delves into the lesser-known yet pivotal events surrounding the murder of King Henry VI during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses. Boardman's recent book, The Rose, the Bastard, and the Saint: The Murder of Henry VI, serves as the foundation for an in-depth exploration of the siege of London in 1471 and its profound implications for medieval England.

Setting the Scene: England in 1471

Matt Lewis [02:17]: "The death of a medieval king is always a moment of crisis, upheaval, and, for some people, opportunity."

The episode begins by painting a vivid picture of England's political landscape in the spring of 1471. The kingdom is embroiled in the Wars of the Roses, a dynastic conflict between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Following King Edward IV's temporary exile and the brief restoration of Henry VI, tensions flare once more as Edward regains the throne and seeks to consolidate his power.

Andrew Boardman [04:52]: "We're still in the Wars of the Roses. He's the first Yorkist king. He's been driven into exile by Warwick, his former friend."

The Readeption and Escalating Conflict

Boardman succinctly outlines the complexities of the Readeption period, a six-month resurgence of Lancastrian power under Henry VI facilitated by Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick. This delicate balance is shattered when Edward IV returns from Burgundy, leading to a series of battles that set the stage for the siege of London.

Andrew Boardman [07:23]: "There was two Kings. So Henry VI... And then there's Warwick in the middle, scheming which way it will fall."

The Overlooked Siege of London

The crux of Boardman's discussion centers on the 1471 siege of London, a critical yet often neglected episode in the Wars of the Roses. Despite its significance, historical narratives have frequently skimmed over this event, focusing instead on major battles like Barnet and Tewkesbury.

Matt Lewis [07:56]: "This is one of the reasons that I got really, really interested in the book."

Boardman explains that the siege represents a convergence of political and military maneuvers that could have drastically altered the course of English history. The rebellion led by Thomas Neville, Lord Falkenberg—a bastard son of the influential Neville family—and Queen Margaret’s return with Lancastrian forces aimed to seize London and reinstate Henry VI.

Key Protagonists: Yorkists vs. Lancastrians

The episode introduces the main figures involved in the siege:

• Thomas Neville, Lord Falkenberg: A formidable military leader and pirate, Falkenberg spearheaded the Lancastrian rebellion with aspirations to free Henry VI from the Tower of London.

  Andrew Boardman [11:01]: "You've got Thomas Neville and then you've got other parts of the country leading the rebellion."

• Lord Rivers (Anthony Woodville): A Yorkist noble left in London to defend the city against the rebels. Despite being older and less active militarily, Rivers played a crucial role in organizing London's defenses.

  Matt Lewis [13:27]: "Lord Rivers is Anthony Woodville, who is Edward IV's queen's brother."

The Assault on London

Falkenberg's forces, estimated at around 10,000 strong, approached London with a dual strategy: an overt declaration of non-aggression and an underlying intent to incite Lancastrian support. Initial negotiations failed, leading to an aggressive assault on London Bridge and subsequent attempts to breach the city's defenses.

Andrew Boardman [22:11]: "He attacks London Bridge... He attacks the Great Stone Gate."

Despite penetrating London Bridge, Falkenberg's forces were repelled by London's well-prepared militias and defensive measures, including boiling oil and artillery from ships. The rebels then attempted a simultaneous assault on the eastern gates but faced stiff resistance, culminating in fierce street battles and widespread destruction.

Andrew Boardman [27:51]: "It's an epic siege which lasts two days. There's a lot of turning points."

Turning the Tide: Edward IV’s Return

As the siege raged, Edward IV swiftly mobilized his forces. Upon receiving news of the rebellion's developments, Edward dispatched his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to secure London. Gloucester's arrival marked a turning point, as Yorkist reinforcements swiftly dismantled the rebel forces, leading to Falkenberg's retreat and eventual capture.

Andrew Boardman [33:05]: "He gets chased right up to Stadney and leave London burning."

The Aftermath: Fate of Thomas Neville and Henry VI

Post-siege, Falkenberg was pardoned initially but soon reverted to rebellion, leading to his eventual execution by Gloucester. Simultaneously, the episode shifts focus to the mysterious death of Henry VI. Official Yorkist accounts claim Henry died of natural causes—such as a stroke or heart attack—indicating melancholy and frailty. However, Boardman posits that Henry's death was likely orchestrated, considering his symbolic value as a Lancastrian figurehead.

Matt Lewis [46:54]: "There's this official story that comes out of the Yorkist government that Henry dies of in air quotes. Pure melancholy."

Boardman explores the possibility of a deliberate assassination, suspecting Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as the orchestrator, though the exact details remain elusive. This act would have been a strategic move to eliminate a rallying point for Lancastrian dissent and solidify Yorkist control.

Andrew Boardman [54:02]: "I do believe these others are real. Real. But somebody must have killed him."

Implications for the Wars of the Roses

The culmination of the siege and Henry VI's death had profound implications:

1. Consolidation of Yorkist Power: With Henry VI removed, Edward IV faced fewer threats to his reign, reducing the likelihood of immediate rebellions and stabilizing his position.

2. End of the Lancastrian Line: Henry VI’s death marked a significant decline in Lancastrian influence, diminishing any prospects for a resurgence unless new claimants emerged.

3. Historical Narrative and Propaganda: The event underscores the use of propaganda by the Yorkists to legitimize their rule and delegitimize their rivals, shaping historical interpretations for generations.

Matt Lewis [50:11]: "If you kill Henry, what you're doing is renewing the Lancastrian cause in this young prince who is not in Edward's custody at this point."

Conclusion

This episode of Gone Medieval meticulously unravels a critical yet overshadowed chapter in the Wars of the Roses, highlighting how the siege of London and the subsequent murder of Henry VI were instrumental in shaping England's medieval landscape. Andrew Boardman's analysis offers fresh insights into the political machinations and personal vendettas that characterized this period, enriching our understanding of the complexities behind historical events.

Matt Lewis [57:14]: "Thank you so much for joining us, Andrew. It's been fascinating to pick apart this moment that people quite often skip over in the Wars of the Roses."

For those intrigued by this deep dive into medieval intrigue and power struggles, Andrew Boardman's book provides a comprehensive exploration of these events.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Lewis [02:17]: "The death of a medieval king is always a moment of crisis, upheaval, and, for some people, opportunity."

• Andrew Boardman [09:42]: "I wanted to look into it deeply and see if I could find out what actually happened... who killed him."

• Andrew Boardman [54:27]: "Yes, Gloucester's in the middle, as he usually is. He was tasked with executing Falkenberg... so he does away with Falkenberg."

• Matt Lewis [51:34]: "It's hard not to feel sorry for him at this point in his own story."

Further Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to explore Andrew Boardman's book, The Rose, the Bastard, and the Saint: The Murder of Henry VI, for a more detailed account of these events. Additionally, episodes on the broader Wars of the Roses are available in the Gone Medieval back catalog, providing comprehensive context and analysis of this defining period in European history.

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