Richard, as part of bold plan to consolidate his hold on his Kingdom and break the power of the magnates who constantly threaten his authority, has begun to shift his power base from the southeast and London towards the establishment of a new Principality around the County of Cheshire.

He has systematically built up his power in nearby Wales, which is ruled through a patchwork of semi-autonomous feudal states, bishoprics, shires, and territory under direct royal rule.

Richard has eliminated his rivals and taken their land or given it to his favorites, and in so doing has raised an entire class of Welsh people to fill the new posts created in his new fiefdoms.

For these people, Richard’s recent regnal years have been full of opportunities.

In contrast, to his English magnates, it is a further sign that Richard is dangerously out of control.

Following the defeat and slaying of Richard’s lieutenant in late 1398, the English King had returned to Ireland with an expeditionary force, but is immediately forced to return home to deal with Henry of Bolingbroke’s revolt.

Bolingbroke, declaring that he has come for his inheritance, has attracted many adherents to his banner.

With Arundel as his advisor, Bolingbroke begins a military campaign, confiscating land from those who oppose him and ordering his soldiers to destroy much of Cheshire.

Richard's autocratic ways, deeply unpopular with many nobles, facilitate Bolingbroke's gaining control quickly of most of southern and eastern England.

Bolingbroke had originally just wanted his inheritance and a reimposition of the power of the Lords Appellant, accepting Richard's right to be king and March's right to succeed him.

but by the time Richard finally arrives back on the mainland in Wales, a tide of discontent has swept England.

In the King's absence, Bolingbroke, who is generally well-liked, is being urged to take the crown himself.

It is at this time that he receives some emissaries from Constantinople who are supposed to have been given three thousand silver marks or two thousand pounds sterling.

The king has taken most of his household knights and the loyal members of his nobility with him to Ireland, so Henry experiences little resistance as he moves south.

Edmund of Langley, Duke of York, who is acting as keeper of the realm, has little choice but to side with Bolingbroke.

Meanwhile, Richard had been delayed in his return from Ireland and not until July 24 does he land in Wales.