fEBRUARY 7TH 1450
IMW Harvey (historian) links William de la Poles with the French raids in Norfolk with parliaments accusations on this day.
Suffolk Questioned
William was accused of embezzling royal funds, perversion of justice and worst of all treachery in negotiations with France. He was said to have plotted with he French, in 1447, an invasion of England to replace Henry with his own son John. He also promised the lands of Maine to the French.
Parliament would have to wait for a second attempt before Suffolk would face their direct questions, more time for them to hone their skills in circumnavigating the Kings protection of his favourite. William was still safely secured away in the Tower of London.
French Raids in Norfolk
The French raids IMW Harvey discusses are raids near Great Yarmouth, which were, of course, reported in the Paston Letters. Margaret Paston wrote on March 12th
There have been many enemies against Yarmouth and Cromer, and have done much harm, and taken many Englishmen, and put them in great distress, and greatly ransomed them ; and the said enemies have been so bold that they come up to the land and play them on Caister sands and in other places, as homely as they were Englishmen.
The comment about playing on Caister Sands like Englishmen – give me visions of modern day kiss me quick hats and ice creams! The French were unimpeded and obviously not afraid of attack, so they must have been a force of some size. There is no doubt regarding the event happening, but was this part of Suffolk’s plan….No, this is just fanciful. If this raid happened on this day, it is doubtful, but it did happen before March 12th 1450.