Council of the North

The Council of the North was an administrative body set up by King Richard III of England in 1484 to improve government control and economic prosperity over Northern England. It was originally based at Sheriff Hutton and Sandal, England. The reasons for doing so had been the deteriorated state of Northern society since The Harrying of the North under the Normans. Richard was the first post-Norman King of England to legislate and conduct government in the English language, possibly because his experience among his subjects whilst at Middleham Castle had created a mutual respect between them. Die hard Yorkists did not forget this when Perkin Warbeck and Lambert Simnel appeared. This local loyalty did not save Richard from desertion, when the Earl of Richmond rose against him. (Coincidentally, Richmond Castle had seniority over Middleham Castle!)

Books

• King's Council in the North by Rachel R Reid ISBN 0715811266