‘Bats, Parliament of’

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‘Bats, Parliament of’, 1426. Competition between Humphrey, duke of Gloucester, and Henry Beaufort, bishop of Winchester, to dominate government in the minority of Henry VI assumed dangerous proportions with a riot on London bridge, 30 October 1425. A Parliament was called to Leicester for 18 February 1426, then adjourned to Northampton. Members and their attendants had orders not to come armed, but many carried clubs or ‘bats’. The quarrel was submitted to arbitration. Peace was made, for the time being. Beaufort resigned as chancellor and went abroad.

R. L. Storey

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