1387. De Vere raised forces in the king’s behalf, but was defeated at Radcot Bridge, in Oxfordshire.
1388. The Wonderful Parliament assembled: five of the king’s counsellors convicted of high treason, and two executed. De la Pole and De Vere escaped out of the country. Henry Percy (Hotspur) defeated by the Scots in the battle of Chevy Chase at Otterburn (Aug. 10).
1389. Richard recovered his authority.
1390. Navigation Act: merchandise to be exported in English vessels only.
1392. Statute of Præmunire passed.
Persons who purchased, in the court of Rome or elsewhere, bulls or other papal instruments, were to be brought before the king and his council to answer for their conduct, and were liable to outlawry and loss of lands and goods.
1397. The duke of Gloucester arrested and conveyed to Calais, where it was generally believed he was murdered.
1398. A Parliament at Shrewsbury reversed the acts of the Wonderful Parliament. Richard banished the Duke of Hereford (Henry Bolingbroke) for ten years, and the duke of Norfolk for life. The king’s power nearly absolute.
1399. Richard visited Ireland. During his absence Hereford, who, by his father’s death, had become duke of Lancaster, invaded England professedly to recover his estates and honours. On Richard’s return he obtained possession of his person, and forced him to resign the crown. He then claimed the vacant throne, which was bestowed on him.
In this reign peers were first created by patent. Westminster Hall was rebuilt.