Richard had the spirit of a tyrant. He declared "that he alone could
change and frame the laws of the kingdom."[3] His reign was unpopular
with all classes. The people hated him for his extravagance; the
clergy, for failing to put down the Wycliffites (SS254, 255), with the
doctrines of whose founder he was believed to sympathize; while the
nobles disliked his injustice and favoritism.
[3] W. Stubb's "Constitutional History of England," II, 505.
In the "Merciless Parliament" (1388) the "Lords Appellant," that is,
the noblemen who accused Richard's counselors of treason, put to death
all of the King's ministers that they could lay hands on. Later, that
Parliament attempted some political reforms, which were partially
successful. But the King soon regained his power, and took summary
vengeance (1397) on the "Lords Appellant." Two influential men were
left, Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, and Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of
Hereford, whom he had found no opportunity to punish. After a time
they openly quarreled, and accused each other of treason.
A challenge passed between them, and they prepared to fight the matter
out in the King's presence; but when the day arrived, the King
banished both of them from England (1398). Shortly after they had
left the country Bolingbroke's father, John of Gaunt, Duke of
Lancaster, died. Contrary to all law, Richard now seized and
appropriated the estate, which belonged by right to the banished
nobleman.