This Day in History: 1460-12-09

On 9th December 1460 it is believed that Richard Duke of York, Lord of Sandal, headed north under a ‘commission of array’ to deal with the insurrection in the north and to bring stability to his own lands. In December of that year, Lancastrian forces were beginning to muster around Hull and eventually Pontefract. Given the terms of the Act of Accord of 25th October 1460, Richard was now heir to the throne of King Henry VI. Therefore, one could argue that Margaret of Anjou – wife of King Henry VI – and her Lancastrian armies were now rebels and traitors and that all subsequent actions against Richard could be declared treasonous as he was now legally  fighting on behalf of the King.