In June 1399, Louis I, Duke of Orléans, gained control of the court of the insane Charles VI of France. The policy of rapprochement with the English crown did not suit Louis's political ambitions, and for this reason he found it opportune to allow Henry Bolingbroke to leave for England.Saul (1997), pp. 406–407. With a small group of followers, Bolingbroke landed at Ravenspurn in Yorkshire towards the end of June 1399.Saul (1997), p. 408. Meeting with Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland, who had his own misgivings about the king, Bolingbroke insisted that his only object was to regain his own patrimony. Percy took him at his word and declined to interfere.Saul (1997), pp. 408–410. The king had taken most of his household knights and the loyal members of his nobility with him to Ireland, so Bolingbroke experienced little resistance as he moved south. Keeper of the Realm Edmund, Duke of York, had little choice but to side with Bolingbroke.Harriss (2005), pp. 486–487. Meanwhile, Richard was delayed in his return from Ireland and did not land in Wales until 24 July.Saul (1997), p. 411. He made his way to Conwy, where on 12 August he met with the Earl of Northumberland for negotiations.Saul (1997), pp. 412–413. On 19 August, Richard surrendered to Henry Bolingbroke at Flint Castle, promising to abdicate if his life were spared. Both men then returned to London, the indignant king riding all the way behind Henry. On arrival, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London on 1 September.Saul (1997), p. 417.
