Act of Accord facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Citation | 39 Hen. 6 |
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| Territorial extent |  England |
Quick facts for kids Dates |
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| Royal assent | 25 October 1460 |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Act of Accord was an important law passed by the Parliament of England on October 25, 1460. This happened a few weeks after Richard of York tried to claim the throne. The Act stated that Henry VI of England would remain king for his lifetime. However, after Henry, the crown would pass to Richard of York and his children. This meant Henry's own son, Edward of Westminster, would not become king. King Henry was forced to agree to this new law.
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What Was the Act of Accord?
This law was passed in England in 1460. It was a big deal because it tried to settle who would be the next king. The country was in the middle of a long fight called the Wars of the Roses. This war was between two powerful families: the House of Lancaster (who supported King Henry VI) and the House of York (who supported Richard of York).
A Deal for the Crown
The Act of Accord made a special agreement. It said that King Henry VI could keep his crown. But once he was no longer king, the throne would go to Richard of York. Then, Richard's children would inherit the crown after him. This was a way to try and end the fighting.
Why Was This Law Made?
The Act was created because Richard of York had a strong claim to the throne. He was a powerful noble and had many supporters. King Henry VI was not a very strong ruler. He was often ill and unable to govern well. The Parliament hoped this law would bring peace to the kingdom.
The Impact of the Act
Instead of ending the Wars of the Roses, the Act of Accord made things worse. It caused even more division in England.
Queen Margaret's Reaction
The Act was completely unacceptable to Queen Margaret of Anjou. She was King Henry VI's wife and the mother of Edward of Westminster. The law meant her son would lose his right to be king. Queen Margaret had many supporters from the House of Lancaster. They were determined to fight for her son's claim.
Continued Fighting
Soon after the Act was passed, the Lancastrian supporters fought back. In December 1460, they defeated and killed Richard of York. This happened even though the Act had made it a serious crime to harm him. However, York's son, Edward, then led the Yorkist forces. He defeated the Lancastrians in the spring of 1461. After this victory, Edward became king.
Richard of York's New Titles
In the same Parliament that passed the Act of Accord, Richard of York received new important titles. On October 31, 1460, he was made:
- Prince of Wales
- Earl of Chester
- Duke of Cornwall
- Lord Protector of England
These titles showed his importance and his new role in the kingdom.
See also
