D1: measures to secure his throne

Question 1

What did Henry aim to solidify to secure his throne after Bosworth? What would this have ensured?

Answer 1

He aimed to solidify the belief that God favored his kingship, ensuring both security and legitimacy for his rule.

Question 2

in order to retain full control of his kingdom, Henry would have to do what? (4)

Answer 2

1. establish effective gov
2. maintain law and order
3. control the nobility
4. secure the Crowns finances

Question 3

Why was Henry’s coronation significant?

Answer 3

• a formal ceremony that reinforced his God-given right to rule, as monarchs were seen as chosen and anointed by God.

Question 4

How did Henry use his first parliament to strengthen his rule?

Answer 4

By summoning parliament, he reinforced his prerogative, declared his kingship retroactively from August 21, 1485, marking Richard III as a usurper and making Richard’s supporters traitors.

Question 5

Why did Henry repeal the Titulus Regius?

Answer 5

Repealing it legitimized his future wife, Elizabeth of York, ensuring that their children would be recognized as legitimate heirs.

Question 6

How did Henry’s marriage to Elizabeth of York impact his rule?

Answer 6

The marriage united Yorkist and Lancastrian factions, and the birth of their son Arthur and his siblings solidified the new Tudor dynasty.

Question 7

How did Henry reward his supporters without giving them too much power?

Answer 7

He avoided granting excessive titles or estates, ensuring nobles couldn’t build power bases; he made limited exceptions for loyal family and supporters like Jasper Tudor and the Stanleys.

Question 8

What was Jasper Tudor rewarded with?

Answer 8

created Duke of Bedford in 1485 as a reward for his lifelong support

Question 9

Who among Yorkist supporters were rewarded and why?

Answer 9

Henry appointed Yorkists with governing experience, such as Sir Thomas Lovell and John Morton, which was essential since Henry lacked experience.

Question 10

What position was Sir Thomas Lovell awarded?

Answer 10

Treasurer of the Household

Question 11

What position was John Morton awarded?

Answer 11

Chancellor and Archbishop of Canterbury

Question 12

Did Morton and Lovell remain loyal to Henry?

Answer 12

Both spent the rest of their careers serving Henry loyally.

Question 13

What institution did Henry enlist the support of?

Answer 13

the Church and gained control of the nobility

Question 14

Who else did Henry secure support from?

Answer 14

the Pope and the kings of France and Spain, who recognised the legitimacy of his kingship.

Question 15

How did Henry treat nobles who had supported Richard III?

Answer 15

He seized their lands but executed not many of the survivors, significantly.

Question 16

Which pro Richard nobles were allowed to retain some power?

Answer 16

John de la Pole and Northumberland were allowed to retain some power after swearing loyalty.

Question 17

What precautions did Henry take to strengthen loyalty to the monarchy? When?

Answer 17

1486 - Henry went on a progress to areas with Ricardian support

Question 18

What did Henrys royal progress attempt to do?

Answer 18

attempted to strengthen respect and obedience for the monarchy

Question 19

What financial measure did Henry pass in 1486, and why?

Answer 19

He passed the Act of Resumption in 1486 to reclaim Crown lands and improve royal finances, using forfeited lands rather than Crown estates to reward supporters.

Question 20

what was the aim of the Act of Resumption?

Answer 20

• increase the wealth of the Crown
• give Henry more spending power compared to his nobility

Question 21

How did Henry’s approach to reconciliation affect his rule?

Answer 21

He attempted a balanced approach, cautiously trusting former enemies, though mistrust and paranoia toward nobility grew in his later reign

Question 22

what was Henrys early rule characterised by?

Answer 22

Thus, Henry’s early rule was characterised by attempts at cautious reconciliation.

Question 23

What group of people was Henry prepared to trust, and what group was he not prepared to over reward?

Answer 23

He was not prepared to over-reward his supporters, but he was prepared to trust former enemies

Question 24

list the measures henry took to secure his position on the throne and his kingship?

Answer 24

1. showed that god wanted him to be king
2. used parl to support his kingship
3. married to support his kingship and unite the houses
4. rewared his supporters but was careful not to overreward
5. secure the Crowns finances
6. use of imprisonment, execution and loyalty oath
7. strenghtening obedience and respect for the monarchy (royal progress)
8. stopped illegal retaining