Henry's Shadow

Fifteenth century English political, religious and social life as seen through the experiences of John Morton, Cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor. The influence of Henry V on the psyche of Morton and the nation at large is evident, this book explores the story of this influential and powerful figure in British history.

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John Morton – Cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor – bestrode the Wars of the Roses. A significant supporter of Henry VI, then a diplomat and senior judge for Edward IV, he was a fierce opponent of and spymaster against Richard III, and promoter of Henry VII and the Tudor dynasty. Yet he is little known and his life and achievements rarely analysed, still less celebrated.

This account of his life, and the times he endured and helped shape, covers the salient political and military themes of the fifteenth century. It also looks at Morton’s family life and upbringing, his university days, his prominence as a practising lawyer, and his innovations in engineering, building, finance and administration. Resolute and respected, in his later years he became probably the most hated man in England.