March 30th 1471: Clarence’s Options
George Duke of Clarence was playing a duplicitous game, keeping his options open. He was writing a string of letters to Sir Henry Vernon on behalf of Warwick, mostly probing him on the loyalties of barons who might commit to either side and to spy on Edward’s movements. At the same time, he was being pressured by the women in his family; his sister the Duchess of Burgundy and his mother Duchess Cecily to return to his brother Edward’s side. Their arguments must have been quite persuasive, given his changes in ambition over the last six months. This had been going on since France, when he learned that he was no longer Warwick’s first choice to be made a king.
Whilst he dawdled in Malmesbury, increasing his forces to fight with Warwick, he was still corresponding with Sir Henry in Derbyshire:
Henry we can you right good thanks for the good devoir [duty] that you have done in sending for the men to understand of the rule and guyding of Edward late King, and thank you for the writing that you last sent to us, whereby we understand the good and loving disposition towards us of our cousin of Shrovesbury whereof we be right glad. Praying you that ye will haste you towards us as soon as you may, making the more speed and greater haste inasmuch as it is needful and expedient as ye may well conceive. Warning all our servants nigh you and by the way as ye shall comrle that they speed therein to us in all haste possible, doing your faithful devoir herein in this time as our special trust is in you.
Written at Malmesbury xxxth day of March. G. Clarence, signet.'