Henry's consolidation of power, character and aims, establishing the Tudor dynasty Flashcards
Henry VII’s character
Pertinacious memory
Intelligent
Didn’t fall for flattery
Pious
In his later life- he was consumed with avarice
Where did Henry spend his early years in England?
Pembroke Castle
What happened that meant Henry was seized from this location?
In 1461 there was a political revolution
He was separated from his mother and captured by William Herbert
When was Henry VI restored to the throne? Why was this significant?
During 1469-71 Herbert was killed
Henry was reunited with his mother and uncle (Margeret Beaufort and Jasper, Earl of Pembroke).
Why did Henry and his uncle Jasper flee? Where to?
In 1471, the Yorkists were restored as both the King and his male heir died and Henry became the Red Rose (the best hope of the Lancastrians regaining the throne)
They fled to France but ended up in Brittany.
What happened whilst Henry was in the French duchy?
Henry became a political pawn for the Duke of Brittany (he could use him to threaten Edward IV if Henry ever tried to leave)
From age 14-27 Henry stayed in Brittany as a prisoner or hanging around the Duke’s court.
He was manipulated by the duke
The Duke attempted to give Henry over to the Yorkists in 1484 and Henry escaped.
How did his time in Brittany/his childhood affect his character and his way of ruling?
He would have been more thoughtful about his rein because he wasn’t born into it like his son was
Untrustworthy
[Spoke French mostly and didn’t try to connect with the English nobility.
He would have heard the truth about what people truly believed and understood how much flattery happens in the court rather than honesty.
[Kept a close circle
The Battle of Bosworth events
August 22nd, 1485
Between the Yorkist King Richard III and the Lancastrian contender Henry Tudor
Henry landed at Milford Haven (August 7) and marched towards Richard’s position at Leicester.
The battle began with Richard in a better position on Ambien Hill.
Although called to the area by the King, Lord Stanley attacked Richard’s flank.
Richard was unhorsed and killed.
The Battle of Bosworth statistics of each side
Richard III:
32 years old
10-15,000 men
2-year reign
Experienced (royal childhood)
On high ground
Henry VII:
28 years old
3,000 men
Novice (no experience of battle)
On marshy ground lower down
Lord Stanley:
Had a private army of around 3,000
Why did Henry backdate his reign to the 21st?
Allowed him to designate those who sided with Richard (the Yorkists) as potential traitors)
It also meant he didn’t commit treason by battling the King.
How did he reward and punish those who fought with or against him?
Rewarded 11 of his loyal supporters with a knighthood
Appointed supporters with powerful positions such as Lord Stanley as Lord Chamberlain
Arrested influential Yorkists like the Earl of Warwick
This meant he could seize their land to aid the crown’s finances.
What did he do to combat his lack of legitimacy?
He had his coronation on the 30th of October before his first meeting with parliament on the 7th of November, demonstrating Henry had a hereditary claim rather than being given the role of King.
What did Henry do in 1486? What did this help?
He went on royal progress where he heard petitions and cases and granted pardons and favours.
This allowed relations in the North to improve as there would be less chance of Northern rebellion which created a sense of unification with the North and South of England.
How did Henry both settle the War of Roses and secure his dynasty?
He married Elizabeth of York in January 1486 to unite the sides involved in the Wars of the Roses.
In September, Prince Arthur was born which solidified Henry’s dynasty as it created an heir.
What were the pretenders called?
Lambert Simnel
Perkin Warbeck
What years was the first pretender a threat from?
1486-7
