Principally, the Lancastrians accused the Yorkists of murder by the assassination of prominent Lancastrian peers during the confrontation in St Albans three years previously. After weeks of argument the Archbishop of Canterbury had managed to negotiate an agreement, which involved the payment of vast sums by the Yorkist leaders in compensation to the embittered Lancastrian heirs of the dead. But no one really supposed that, even if it was paid, money alone would assuage the vengeful anger of the young Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland and their hot-headed ally Lord Clifford, who had all lost their fathers. No one that is except the king, who genuinely believed that the service of reconciliation at St Paul’s would mark an end to animosity and herald a new era of goodwill. After making their vows, leading members of the two warring affinities were to walk hand in hand through the streets to reassure the citizens that peace had been restored among the great and powerful of the realm.

Hiding my misgivings, I had spent an awkward morning closeted with my brother and Queen Marguerite, trying to decide on the order of this procession. ‘You and the queen will lead it of course, my liege,’ I proposed.

But Marguerite disagreed. ‘I think the king should lead it alone. It was he who instigated the peace council and he who managed to persuade the lords to agree terms.’ She placed her hand admiringly over her husband’s arm. ‘I will never know how you succeeded, my lord, especially as far as the Duke of York is concerned.’

Henry appeared gratified by her praise. ‘I prayed and the Almighty heard my prayers,’ he declared. ‘And the Archbishop had a lot to do with it. But you know I do not like to walk alone, my dear. I need my queen at my side.’

She was sympathetic but adamant. ‘Yes, my dearest lord, but on this occasion I think you must be brave. If you walk alone in the van it will be clear to the people that their king understands their longing for peace and is entirely responsible for controlling his barons. You must receive the gratitude of your people. Besides, I believe it is my penance to walk hand in hand with Richard of York who, as you know, I consider a treasonous thug and a threat to your throne.’

‘Is everyone to walk with their arch enemy then?’ I asked in surprise. ‘Is that wise, or even possible? Surely we cannot ask the Duke of Somerset to walk with the Earl of Warwick? The man who killed his father at St Albans? He will never agree.’