Context Of Henry VII

Question 1

Context of England’s position in Europe in 1485

Answer 1

• Had lost lands in France throughout 15th cent.
• Still ruled over Calais
• France = most powerful nation in Europe + main threat
• Netherlands = important due to cloth trade
• Scotland = ally to France = threat to Northern border
• Spain becoming major power

Question 2

Context of the War of the Roses

Answer 2

• unstable since 1399 - throne regularly changed hands
• wars began in 1455 + ended in 1485/7
• fought between 2 families with claims to throne = Yorkists + Lancastrians
• began due to instability = Henry VI weak king + nobles powerful
• majority of fighting in 1459-64, 1469-71 + 1483-7

Question 3

Context of economy and finance in England in 1485

Answer 3

• main export = cloth - sold in Netherlands
• income of English kings much less than French monarchs
• Crown lands = regular income but in decline
• income from customs in decline

Question 4

Context of Henry Tudor in 1485

Answer 4

• weak claim
• exiled in France for 14 years
• hardly knew England
• his invasion was aided by the French