Henry VII and the Consolidation of his Power Flashcards
When and Why did the War of the Roses occur?
22nd May 1455 - 16th June 1487.
Two groups of families: ‘Lancaster’ and ‘York’ - both wanted to control the Crown.
Little physical destruction, not continuous fighting.
Caused open hostility and instability in society which nobles used to their adv.
Impacts of the War of the Roses.
Various deaths resulted in Henry becoming main Lancastrian claimant.
Marriage between Henry and Eliz of York on 18th Jan 1486.
Death of Richard III 22nd Aug 1485.
Crowns treasury nearly empty (due to 100 yr war too).
English trade suffered.
Why was Henry’s claim to the throne weak?
Descended via mother, Margaret Beaufort ( direct descendent of Edward III by marriage of third son John of Gaunt) - woman = poorer claim AND John wasn’t married to Catherine when he had John Beaufort ( Margaret’s grandfather) = illegitimate child.
People who thought they had a right included:
- Edward, Earl of Warwick (nephew of Richard III and Edward IV).
- John De La Pole (also nephew of above, Earl of Lincoln, had been nominated by Rich as heir).
- Edmund De La Pole (nephew of aboves).
Why did Henry flee to Brittany in 1471?
His uncle took him there after he suddenly became main Lancastrian claimant due WoR.
Spent 14 years there.
Why did the situation change in 1483?
Edward IV died.
Richard meant to be regent, but declared himself King and imprisoned Ed’s two sons in Tower of London.
People unhappy as a result = increasing tensions in England.
Henry but up following in Paris with people who didn’t like Rich e.g Earl of Oxford, Jasper Tudor (uncle).
Rich had no heir, as son died.
Received financial support from Charles VIII (French King).
When and Why did the Battle of Bosworth occur?
Aug 1485.
Henry had decided he wanted to become king, needed to defeat Rich.
Why did Henry win Battle of Bosworth?
Unsuccessful rebellion led by Duke of Buckingham weaker Rich.
Gained support from Rhys Thamos (powerful land owner) = more soldiers.
Marched Shrewsbury and Midlands and gained their support.
Arrived before Rich = better position to advance.
Support from Sir William Stanley saved Henry (with calvary).
Impact of Battle of Bosworth.
Richard III was killed, royal forces broke and fled.
Henry gained crown.
Why was it going to be difficult for Henry to maintain the Crown?
Weak claim to the throne.
Yorkists had support in North and Ireland and powerful ally, Margaret of Burgundy (Rich’s sister).
Many of nobles possessed armies (retainers) = threat to H and peace.
Crown Treasury empty.
Lack of relations Eng had with other countries in Europe, powers doubted H ability to survive.
Eng trade suffering.
Spanish empire in New World.
Instability of rulers in Eng.
Adv Henry had.
Nobles fought at War of the Roses = many deaths and land given to Crown.
Nobles in support of Rich were disinherited as traitors = more power for H.
People ready to have consistent leader.
Adult and only child = less threats.
Welsh origins and lived in France = fewer enemies.
What were Henry’s aims?
To establish and secure claim to throne.
To increase wealth of throne.
To strengthen royal gov and have better control of nobility.
Physical embodiment of Tudor Rose with Arthur (son) = reducing tensions between L and Y.
Why did Henry ensure the coronation took place quickly?
Public ceremony which confirms power via approval of Church and God.
Required Nobility to swear oath of loyalty which cannot be broken.
Took place a week before parliament met and before marriage to Eliz, so no one could say parliament or marriage helped H.
Dated rule to 21st Aug, so anyone who helped Rich committed treason and could be punished.
How did Henry reward his supporters?
Patronage = rewarding supporters and gaining their loyalties.
Two loyal supporters in East-Midlands and North-West.
John of Vere = Earl of Oxford.
Lord Stanley = Earl of Derby and marriage H’s mother.
Others rewarded with high office, recognition and power.
John Morton and his importance.
Became Lord Chancellor from 1486 - 1500 and thlenbecame Archbishop of Canterbury and a Cardinal.
Warned H of Rich’s attempt to arrest and remove him from Brittany in 1485, buying H time to escape to French court
Soliocited support from discontented Yorkist nobles.
Was active in encouraging nobility to offer loans to the Crown.
How did Henry deal with opponents?
Imprisoned Yorkists who had a better claim in the Tower, e.g Edward, Earl of Warwick.
John De La Pole made to submit to H and recognise him as King.
First rebellion against H led by Lord Lovell in 1486 was ill prepared.
Nobles who’s loyalty was us were stripped of land and titles, however H did show some leniency to win gratitude and loyalty of key families.
