Richard II – France and Scotland.

‘France and Scotland, in the year of 1386 did conspire to put an end to King Richard’s reign!

But by the year’s end, it was a case of  something ventured, but absolutely nothing gained!’

Scotland.

In 1385 the Scots, encouraged by the French who were planning an invasion of England, began to raid the northern counties. What was most worrying from Richard’s point of view, was the presence of French knights amongst the the Scots army. In retaliation, Richard assembled an army and along with his uncle, Lancaster, marched north. However the Scots, feeling that discretion was the better part of valour, refused to engage the English in open battle.

Richard II

‘With his great army, Richard was intent on showing the Scots that he was a man to be feared!

But when he came to the Lowlands, the Scots retreated to the Highlands and disappeared!’

King Richard had to content himself with sacking Edinburgh and destroying  some abbeys. Richard and Lancaster now disagreed upon how to proceed. Lancaster, a seasoned veteran of Scottish campaigns, favoured following the Scots into the Highlands, but Richard demurred. Pursuing the Scots into their home territory was a tricky proposition and he doubted that they would be successful. It was at this point that Richard showed his more humanitarian instincts. He told Lancaster that a long campaign with inadequate supplies would condemn the ordinary soldiers to death by hunger. This was something that he could not countenance.

‘You and I uncle, can fill our bellies with wine, lamb and pork!

But the poor foot soldier is without a morsel to place on his fork!’

If we make an invasion of the Highlands, our goal!

It will mean for many of  our men, the separation of body and soul!’

Overall, Richard deemed the idea foolhardy and they returned south.  Lancaster was furious and complained:

‘ Richard bears no resemblance either to his father or his grandfather, Edward III!

They would have fought the Scots, but he flies south like a frightened little bird!’

 

Memories of dad and granddad in more heroic times!

France.

The following year 1386, witnessed great panic within the realm, due to rumours of the long anticipated French invasion. It failed to materialise, because France lacked the funds to sustain such an undertaking. England’s borders were safe!

Domestic trouble.

Then to Richard’s delight, John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, decided to relocate to Castile, Spain in order to press his claim for the throne there. The king was so pleased that he gave his uncle a golden crown as a going away present.

‘Good riddance to John of Gaunt, my unloved uncle!

He’s nothing more than a greedy, irritating old carbuncle!’

Although my uncle John often made me frown!

I sent him on his way with a splendid golden crown!’

Richard’s troubles did not evaporate with Lancaster’s departure. Another uncle of the king, the Duke of Gloucester undertook the role of royal enemy number one.

Thomas, Duke of Gloucester.

A status which he adopted with great, undisguised relish. Gloucester’s main target was Richard’s favourite, Michael de la Pole, whom he and his allies in parliament wanted removed as Chancellor. Gloucester wanted rid of de la Pole and another of Richard’s advisers, Robert de Vere, as they wished for a policy of peace towards France. This was not acceptable to Gloucester, who wanted to take a harder line against the French.

‘Richard and his men, in their thoughts of France, were akin to doves!

They wished to handle the French with pleasant, velvet gloves!

Gloucester’s attitude to France was like that of a hawk!

He demanded action and disdained gentle, soft, syrupy talk!’

 

Deep divisions had emerged at Richard’s court and such a situation could do no other than bode ill for the future.