Consolidation of power

Question 1

When was the Battle of Bosworth?

Answer 1

1485

Question 2

What are the aims of Henry VII?

Answer 2

To consolidate his power in order to keep his throne- both through military and political success.
To reduce the power of nobles who had used the previous period of instability to enhance their own authority.

Question 3

What were Henry VII steps to securing the throne?

Answer 3

-Dated his reign from 21st of August the day before Bosworth to accuse any Yorkist fighters as a traitor.
-Publicly rewarded key supporters.
-Detained Earl of Warwick, greater claim.
-He arranged his coronation a week before the meeting of his first parliament in November to show that his claim to the throne was hereditary.
-Made key appointments to his council and household.
-Issued Parliamentary Acts of Attainders against Yorkists who had fought at Bosworth.
-Increased demanding the customs revenues of tonnage and poundage.
-Jan 1486- Married Liz of York, this enabled Royal Propaganda to exploit the unions of both houses.
-September 1486, Arthur was born.

Question 4

What threats made Henry’s position insecure?

Answer 4

-Yorkist claimants
-Threats
-Pretenders

Question 5

Who were the Yorkist claimants that posed a threat?

Answer 5

-John De La Pole, Earl of Lincoln
>Nephew of Edward IV and Richard III
>Designated successor of Richard III
>Regarded the Yorkist leader after Bosworth.
-Edward, Earl of Warwick.
>Nephew of Edward IV and Richard III
>Imprisoned in Tower of London, 1485 aged 10.
>Beheaded for alleged conspiracies with Perkin Warbeck 1499.

Question 6

What were the threats that Henry faced?

Answer 6

-Yorkist supporters
-Margaret of Burgundy
>Sister of Edward IV and Richard III
>Able and willing to fund Yorkist ambitions.