Page "Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York" Paragraph 25

Then, in August, Henry VI suffered a catastrophic mental breakdown.

Perhaps brought on by the news of the defeat at the Battle of Castillon in Gascony, which finally drove English forces from France, he became completely unresponsive, unable to speak and having to be led from room to room.

The council tried to carry on as though the King's disability would be brief.

However, eventually they had to admit that something had to be done.

In October, invitations for a Great Council were issued, and although Somerset tried to have him excluded, York ( the premier Duke of the realm ) was included.

Somerset's fears were to prove well-grounded, for in November he was committed to the Tower.

Despite the opposition of Margaret of Anjou, on 27 March, York was appointed Protector of the Realm and Chief Councillor.