ABSTRACT
The fifteenth century did not see innovation in constitutional matters, but consolidation of previous practice, particularly the manipulation of parliaments by usurping monarchs to legitimise their positions. The reign of Henry IV began in a blaze of popular enthusiasm, but soon degenerated into a holding operation. By 1408 Henry IV, still only 41, was incapacitated by a mysterious illness. Young Henry increasingly ruled on his behalf. The parliament summoned to depose Richard II and legitimise Henry of Bolingbroke as king also recognised Henry of Monmouth as heir apparent. The political history of the reign is complex, but can be summarised as a power struggle between the Beauforts, particularly John, 1st Duke of Somerset, and Gloucester until the latter’s mysterious death in 1447, then between the next two Dukes of Somerset and Richard, Duke of York, now the nearest adult male of legitimate blood royal to the king and the greatest magnate in England.
