Henry 7th Flashcards
The Battle of Bosworth
Richard III killed by Henry Tudor. Henry dated the strait of his reign the say before Bosworth - could call Richard’s supporters traitors and take their land. Marriage took place after crowned so could not say crown belonged to Elizabeth. Yorkists supported henry, after he pardoned Duke of Northumberland.
Lovell and Stafford
Within the year of taking the throne, Henry faced opposition. The conspirators hoped to restore a Yorkist monarchy, but a foiled rebellion plot stopped this. They did manage to cause a small scale rebellion in Worcester, resulting in Lovell’s execution and Stafford’s pardon.
Richard’s Nephews - Threat
Edward, Earl of Warwick and John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln. They both had strong claims to the throne, with support from Margaret of Burgundy. Warwick was removed and sent to the tower, Lincoln professed loyalty and was put on the Kings’ council.
Simnel’s rising
Claimed to be Edward, Earl of Warwick. Came within a year of Henry taking the throne and forced the king into battle. Simnel crowned Edward VI in Ireland and had the support of Margaret of Burgundy. Henry paraded the real Earl and raised an army to confront Simnel at Stoke. Henry was successful.
Perkin Warbeck Rising
Claimed to be Richard, Duke of York, a prince killed after Bosworth. lasted a long time and had France and Burgundy support. He was welcomed in Scotland by James IV and married his cousin (after Treaty of Etaples was signed and could not be in France). attempted rebellions did not gain widespread support and resulted in execution 1499.
Sanctions on nobility
Acts of Attainder - losing the right to own land leading to social disaster for noble families (good behaviour = reversed). Bonds and recognisances - money had to be paid for security of future good behaviour. Henry also asserted his feudal rights over marriage, profiting from arranged marriages. Act of Resumption 1486 took back former royal lands.
Rewards for nobility
Order of the Garter - a prestigious honour given by the king, a non monetary reward. Patronage was given in return for loyal service. He issued summons to the King’s Council, a sign of trust.
Yorkshire tax revolt
Henry needed to raise money to aid Brittany in France, and the northern counties objected to their need to raise these funds which they were usually exempt from due to the cost of protecting the north from Scotland. rising was crushed, but no tax collected.
Cornish Rising
Henry needed to raise money to protect the north from Warbeck, but western counties objected. Rebels crushed at Blackheath by 25,000 men, although not a threat to Henry the leaders were executed and fined.
Ordinary revenue
This came from crown lands, customs, justice and feudal dues. The amount of income varied each year and henry increased this through the 1486 act of resumption which restored crown lands.
Extraordinary revenue
The most frequent source was parliamentary taxation, but it was only to be raised at times of emergency. He also asked nobility for loans and benevolences. Income had risen to £113,000 per year and the Crown was solvent by 1509.
Central Government
The council was the most important element of Government. He had an inner group, including Morton and Fox, which dealt with meetings and the Treasury. The Council learned in the Law handled sanctions.
Regional councils
Council of the North defended the border with Scotland and had judicial power so law was enforced quickly. Council of Wales was managed by Arthur, and was used to increase control. Ireland was a problem because of its support for Yorkists.
Parliament
Not a permanent feature of Government - king could summon and dissolve when he wanted. They only met seven times in Henry’s reign, due to his avoidance of war and avoiding asking for money.
Foreign Policy Aims
Was subordinate to achieving internal safety and securing throne from foreign threats. Also used to strengthen his position through alliances and marriages. As a usurper, he needed to gain foreign recognition. Early period was diplomatic, middle was period of strength and peace with Scotland, end was less successful and isolated.
