Consolidation of power Flashcards
Why had England experienced political instability in the 15th century?
Between 1455 and 1485 England suffered 30 years of civil war.
What made it easier for Henry Tudor to seize the thrown in 1485?
The unpopularity of the Yorkist King Richard III (with added suspicion about disappearance of princes in the tower) allowed Henry to seize the thrown at the Battle of Bosworth in August 1485. Richard was killed in battle
Why was Henry’s claim to the throne weak?
He was descended through the female line - though his mother Lady Margaret Beaufort
The Beaufort line came through John of Gaunt’s third wife - their son had been born before marriage so was considered illegitimate
Henry was the Lancastrian claimant only because there was no other suitable candidate
What attitude did Henry have early on in his reign?
Insecurity and fears of a potential Yorkist challenge
What did Henry do in august 1485 to help secure the throne(3)?
He dated his reign from the 21st of August (day before battle) allowing anyone who fought on the Yorkist side to be accused of being a traitor
He publicly rewarded his key supporters (conferred 11 knighthoods)
He detained the earl of Warwick and Elizabeth of York whose claims to the throne could be seen as much greater than this
What was the act of resumption?
- Act of Resumption, returned all crown lands given away after 1455 (Beginning of W.o.R)
What did Henry do in October to help secure the throne?
He arranged his coronation for a week before the first meeting in parliament on 7th of November to show his right to the throne was hereditary not just based on parliamentary sanctions.
Made key appointments to his councils as household e.g. Sir Reginald Bray as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
What did Henry do to help control the North (2) and Ireland (1)
- 1486 – Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, made Lieutenant of the North.
- Placed Jasper Tudor as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Before Gerald Fitzgerald).
- April 1486 – Begins Royal Progression to the North.
What 2 things did Henry issue in November to help secure the throne?
7th November – First meeting at parliament – 28 Acts of Attainder against Yorkists. Granted tonnage and poundage for life.
Hoe did Henry initially increase his income?
By demanding the customs revenues of tonnage and poundage for life at his first parliament
When was Arthur born?
1489 - an heir to the throne - fully securing the dynasty
What were Acts of Attainder?
Noble declared guilty of rebelling against a monarch.
lose his title, lands and sometimes his head, heirs were also disinherited
What was tonnage and poundage?
The right to raise revenue for the whole reign from imports and exports
What was established in 1502 to help Henry exert his prerogative right?
Council learned in Law
How did Henry use his propaganda to exert his prerogative right
Used to Tudor rose to gain support, he put his face on the coin, the Beaufort portcullis became the portcullis for parliament.
Marriage to Elizabeth of York - exploited the union of the houses of Lancaster and York - Tudor rose - Put everywhere a symbol of his authority.
