Gone Medieval The Parliament of Bats: Plantagenets at War
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Jan 30, 2026 Dr. Hannes Kleineke, historian and editor at the History of Parliament Trust who studies late medieval politics, guides listeners through the chaos after Henry VI’s baby accession. They cover the power struggle between Gloucester, Bedford and Beaufort. Hear why parliament fled London to Leicester, why peers turned up with wooden bats, and how that explosive meeting foreshadowed future civil war.
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Three Men Defined The Regency Struggle
- Key power brokers were John, Duke of Bedford; Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester; and Cardinal Henry Beaufort.
- Their competing roles (Bedford in France, Gloucester protector in England, Beaufort as chancellor and financier) created constant tension.
Gloucester’s Reputation And Role
- Hannes Kleineke calls Humphrey “a bit of a shit” and describes his restless ambition and grab-for-power behaviour.
- Gloucester got the nominal role of protector in England while Bedford held the prized French command, which fuelled his resentment.
London Bridge As A Political Flashpoint
- London favoured Humphrey while Southwark belonged to the Bishop of Winchester, making London Bridge a flashpoint.
- Armed confrontation there prompted Bedford to return from France to steady the realm.