# Archbishop of York — Henry IV, Part II character guide

> Archbishop of York in Henry IV, Part II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Archbishop, the Archbishop of York

**First appearance:** 0005-act-i-scene-iii

## Snapshot

A silver-bearded prelate who trades his books for armor, arguing that England's sickness demands a surgeon's blade rather than prayers.

## Who they are

The Archbishop of York commands the rebel coalition, lending it the moral weight of the church and the eloquence of a scholar. He insists he takes up arms not as an enemy of peace but as a physician to a diseased commonwealth, weighing grievances against offenses in an even balance. His authority holds the rebellion together, yet he depends on allies whose resolve may prove thinner than his own.

## In the story

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii)

Leads the council of rebels, urging action while lamenting the instability of public favor.

### [Act IV, Scene I: Gaultree Forest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i)

Leads the rebel forces and argues for peace, believing the king is weakened and a settlement will hold.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ii)

Defends the rebellion as a response to the king's scorn, accepts Lancaster's word of peace, and is arrested for high treason.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/characters/archbishop_of_york
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_ii_se/characters