CHAPTER III

THE EVOLUTION OF GLOUCESTER'S POLICY

Gloucester Regent of England: terms of his commission--State of the country at this time; the rise of the Middle Classes and their support of Gloucester--The King of Scotland and Gloucester--The Treaty of Troyes proclaimed in England--Influence of this treaty on Gloucester's policy--Restlessness of Parliament--The return of Henry V. to England--Coronation of Queen Catharine--The misfortunes of Jacqueline of Hainault: her arrival in England and meeting with Gloucester--Henry V.'s policy with regard to Jacqueline--Third French campaign--The siege of Dreux--Gloucester's second Regency of England--Death of Henry V.: his wishes for the government of his kingdoms--Claimants for the Protectorate: Henry Beaufort, Bedford, and Gloucester: their qualifications--Opposition to Gloucester's claims: his removal from the Regency--Appointment to the Protectorate: the limitations placed on Gloucester's power and their effect--Alliance between Gloucester and Bedford and its significance--Dissensions in the Regency Council--Execution of Sir John Mortimer and death of the Earl of March, 81-124