Henry's Claim

Question 1

Henry’s Claim

Answer 1

Defeated Richard III at Bosworth August 1485

Henry had a weak claim to the throne, through his mother Margaret Beaufort, who was a descendant of Edward III, and thus he was in a weak position. They Yorkists wanted to overthrow him

Question 2

Henry’s weak position

2

Answer 2

Henry had been in exile for 14 years and was largely unknown.

He also was only King through victory rather than blood, and there were many Yorkist threats

Question 3

Strength of Henry’s position

3

Answer 3

Richard III was unpopular, especially because it was suspected that he murdered the ‘Princes in the Tower’ to become King

The country was weary after over 30 years of the War of the Roses, and likely to support Henry if he offered peace & stability

There was a lack of legit Yorkist claimants, highlighted by the ‘pretenders’

Henry took 3 main actions to strengthen his position (SEE OTHER CARD)

Question 4

Actions Henry took to strengthen his position

3

Answer 4

Many nobles had remained neutral during Bosworth, they didn’t necessarily support Henry

• Dated start of his reign the day before Bosworth so those who fought against him were traitors and could have land seized, giving him more wealth
• Asked for papal dispensation to marry Elizabeth of York to unite the 2 houses
• Henry was willing to give nobles who supported Richard a chance e.g. He restored the Duke of Northumberland’s position. This encouraged other Yorkists to support Henry