Accession of Henry VII.-His title to the crown-King's prejudice against the house of York-His joyful recep- tion in London-His coronation-Sweating sickness- A parliament-Entail of the crown-King's marriage- An insurrection-Discontents of the people-Lambert Simnel-Revolt of Ireland-Intrigues of the dutchess of State of foreign affairs-State of Scotland-of Spain-of the Low Countries-of France-of Britany-French invasion of Britany-French embassy to England-Dis- simulation of the French court-An insurrection in the north-suppressed-King sends forces into Britany- Annexation of Britany to France-A parliament-War with France-Invasion of France-Peace with France -Perkin Warbec-His imposture-He is avowed by Perkin retires to Scotland-Insurrection in the west-Bat- tle of Blackheath-Truce with Scotland-Perkin taken prisoner-Perkin executed-The earl of Warwick exe- cuted-Marriage of Prince Arthur with Catherine of Arragon-His death-Marriage of the princess Marga- -A parliament-Arrival of the king of Castile-In- Popularity of the new king-His ministers-Punishment of Empson and Dudley-King's marriage-Foreign af- fairs-Julius II.-League of Cambray-War with France -Expedition to Fontarabia-Deceit of Ferdinand— Return of the English-Leo X.-A parliament-War with Scotland-Wolsey minister-His chracter-Inva- THE HISTORY OF ENGL A N D. CHAP. XVII. RICHARD II. Government during the minority-Insurrection of the common people-Discontents of the barons-Civil commotions-Expulsion or execution of the king's ministers-Cabals of the duke of Glocester-Murder of the duke of Glocester-Banishment of Henry Duke of Hereford-Return of Henry-General Insurrection-Deposition of the king-His murder' -His character-Miscellaneous transactions during this reign. 1377. Govern THE parliament which was summoned soon CHAP. after the king's accession, was both elected and assembled in tranquillity; and the great change, from a sovereign of consummate wisdom and expe- ment dur rience to a boy of eleven years of age, was not im- ing the mi mediately felt by the people. The habits of order nority. and obedience which the barons had been taught VOL. III. B during 1 XVII. CHAP. during the long reign of Edward, still influenced them; and the authority of the king's three uncles, 1377. the dukes of Lancaster, York, and Glocester, sufficed to repress, for a time, the turbulent spirit to which that order, in a weak reign, was so often subject. The dangerous ambition too of these princes themselves was checked by the plain and undeniable title of Richard, by the declaration of it made in parliament, and by the affectionate regard which the people bore to the memory of his father, and which was naturally transferred to the young sovereign upon the throne. The different characters also of these three princes rendered them a counterpoise to each other; and it was natural to expect, that any dangerous designs which might be formed by one brother, would meet with opposition from the others. Lancaster, whose age and experience, and authority under the late king, gave him the ascendant among them, though his integrity seemed not proof against great temptations, was neither of an enterprising spirit, nor of a popular and engaging temper. York was indolent, inactive, and of slender capacity. Glocester was turbulent, bold, and popular; but being the youngest of the family, was restrained by the power and authority of his elder brothers. There appeared, therefore, no circumstance in the domestic situation of. England which might endanger the public peace, or give any immediate apprehensions to the lovers of their country. ... BUT as Edward, though he had fixed the succession to the crown, had taken no care to establish a plan of government during the minority of his grandson, it behoved the parliament to supply this defect: And the house of commons distinguished themselves by taking the lead on the occasion. This house, which had been rising to consideration. during the whole course of the late reign, naturally received an accession of power during the minority;. and as it was now becoming a scene of business, the members |