1 - henry vii's claim Flashcards
The Government of Henry VII and Threats to His Rule
How comfortable of a win was the Battle of Bosworth?
Very unconvincing - outnumbered, could’ve easily been won by Richard instead
Where had Henry been in exile?
Brittany
For how long had Henry been in exile?
14 years
When was the Battle of Bosworth?
1485
Who had a stronger claim to the throne than Henry?
Edward V & Richard Duke of York (princes in the tower); Elizabeth of York (daughter); Richard III (brother); de la Poles (brother in law); Edward, Earl of Warwick; John, Earl of Lincoln; Edmund, Earl of Suffolk; Richard (nephews)
Who were the “princes in the tower”?
Edward V & Richard, Duke of York
What would a marriage between Henry and Elizabeth of York bring together?
feuding houses of York and Lancaster
challenges to Henry 7th’s reign
divided nobility, rebellions and uprisings against him, ongoing War of Roses, no one knew him & he knew very little about England (due to being exiled for 14 years), financially weak (due to civil wars)
usurper
someone taking power illegally or by force
‘over-mighty’ subjects
nobles given money to keep on the monarch’s side
strengths of Henry 7th’s position
- Richard III was unpopular (killed ‘Princes in Tower’)
- people were war weary (Henry offered peace & stability)
- many Yorkists had died at Bosworth
ways Henry VII strengthened his position
- dated start of his reign to the day before Bosworth (those who fought agst him were traitors, could have land seized, increased wealth)
- coronation before parliament met (couldn’t claim that he was only King bc of them)
- asked for papal dispensation to marry Elizabeth of York (unite houses)
- married after he was crowned (couldn’t claim he was only King bc of her)
- willing to give Yorkists at Bosworth a second chance, encouraged support (eg. Duke of Northumberland restored to position controlling north)
Why was Henry VII’s claim so weak?
great-grandson of Edward III, indirect, his mother was female so was seen as less
