The arrest and execution of William, Lord Hastings

 

As the Council members filed into the Tower room on Friday 13th of June, the atmosphere must have hung heavy with  both anticipation and self doubt. Hastings was committed to murder, along with his co-conspirators, but could they pull it off? Richard was committed to stopping them, but would his men arrive in time when he gave the word?

As Hastings made his move Richard cried "Treason" and the soldiers stationed close by rushed in. There was a scuffle that was quickly suppressed, as Morton, Rotherham and Oliver King  were quickly overcome and arrested. Stanley, may or maynot have been arrested with them. Carson thinks not, at least, not at this point. His wife, Lady Margaret Beaufort, however was most certainly implicated and it may be that Stanley was arrested by his association with her, but later released.

We are led to believe that Hastings was immediately dragged off and beheaded, but he would have at least lived long enough to face his judgement in the Constable's Court.

What was the Constable's Court?

Richard was Protector of the Realm, the head of the King's Council. he was also High Constable of England, and had been for fourteen years. He carried ultimate responsibility for the conduct of martial affairs and military discipline, and like others who held the position before him, he presided over the Constable's Court, whose jurisdiction included the prosecution of treason. It could be called ad hoc with a jury of whichever suitable persons were available. In this case it would have doubtless been made up of those councillors present who were not implicated in Hastings plot. Hastings could not plead not guilty, when they had all witnessed his attempt on the Protector's life, and since any act taken against the King or his government was treasonous, the jury had no choice but to find him guilty. He was sentenced to a traitor's death with immediate effect. 

Only after his trial and sentencing was Hastings taken to Tower Green and beheaded. There was no breach in the legal process. Hastings had thrown in his lot with the Woodville's,  and paid the price.