40 A MEDIAEVAL CITY

through the Wars of the Roses national parliamentary
government ultimately broke down and gave way
to the strong personal kingship of Henry VII.
the towns, which actually suffered little, increased
their local powers. Civic government developed
much and trade flourished during the century.

York had a good friend in Richard, Duke of
Gloucester. The city was very loyal to him and
helped him by raising troops in his support. When
he visited York he was received with immense
festivity and magnificence. The Mayor and Corpora-
tion in their correspondence with him addressed him
as " our full tender and especial good lord." They
had to thank him " for his great labour now late
made unto ye king's good grace for the confirmation
of the liberties of this city." But for his death at
Bosworth, York would have benefited greatly by his
munificence.

Henry VII. was in York in 1487. After Bosworth
(1485) the city had assured him of its loyalty. The
marriage of Henry of Richmond, who represented
the House of Lancaster, and Elizabeth, daughter of
Edward IV. Duke of York, fittingly followed the
conclusion of the Wars of the Roses. With
Henry VII.'s reign a new era began in English
history.

Throughout the century the city could not avoid
contact with rival parties and powers. In spite,
however, of rebellions -and the Wars of the Roses,'
the capital of the north managed generally to steer
a safe course through many storms.

Other links with national affairs were the periodic
visits of the King's judges who travelled on circuit
over the country, stopping at important centres to
hold assize there. Their duties consisted not only
in settling matters of litigation, but also in reviewing