Changes

He inherited a country fraying under the financial stress of the war with France and the resultant high taxes; a social order struggling with the changes wrought by the [[Black Death]] of 1348/9 (and its return during 1368); and political tensions as Parliament, and the “old guard” controlled by Lancaster, jockeyed for power.  

He inherited a country fraying under the financial stress of the war with France and the resultant high taxes; a social order struggling with the changes wrought by the [[Black Death]] of 1348/9 (and its return during 1368); and political tensions as Parliament, and the “old guard” controlled by Lancaster, jockeyed for power.  

The first test of Richard’s character occurred in 1381. He was only 14 when he showed extreme courage and quick thinking in calming a very dangerous situation. (See the  [[Peasants' Revolt]]) His later general pardon of the rebel rank and file showed political maturity.

The first test of Richard’s character occurred in 1381. He was only 14 when he showed extreme courage and quick thinking in calming the very dangerous situation of the  [[Peasants' Revolt]], led by rebel leader [[Wat Tyler]]. His later general pardon of the rebel rank and file showed political maturity.

It was not to last. From about 1382 he began to insist on governing in his own name, and chose his own advisers and confidants – variously detested by his subjects and bringing the inevitable backlash from members of the baronage. By 1387 the situation in France and Richard’s arrogance had brought together a group of barons (known as the [[Lords Appellant]] who defeated Richard’s forces in battle and, at the “Merciless Parliament” of 1388, had his advisors exiled or executed.

It was not to last. From about 1382 he began to insist on governing in his own name, and chose his own advisers and confidants – variously detested by his subjects and bringing the inevitable backlash from members of the baronage. By 1387 the situation in France and Richard’s arrogance had brought together a group of barons (known as the [[Lords Appellant]] who defeated Richard’s forces in battle and, at the “Merciless Parliament” of 1388, had his advisors exiled or executed.