Henry VII: Consolidation - Battle of Bosworth

Question 1

Date

Answer 1

• 22 August 1485

Question 2

Location

Answer 2

• Around ‘Ambion Hill’, near the village of Bosworth

Question 3

Lord Thomas Stanley

Answer 3

• Henry’s stepfather
• Accompanied by brother Sir William Stanley, with 4000 men
• Initially on Richard’s side because Richard had kidnapped his son to ensure his loyalty
• Didn’t fight in the beginning of the battle: reluctant to support Richard, but also afraid Henry would lose meaning they would die or be executed

Question 4

What happened?

Answer 4

• On 22 August 1485, Henry Tudor arrived with 5000 men. Richard had arrived first and gained the upper ground
• Firstly, Henry’s foot soldiers charged so the royal archers fired down at them, while Richard’s cavalry cut them from the sides
• Henry’s forces grouped up to defend themselves and the Duke of Norfolk (one of Richard’s commanders) were killed. The two sides stopped and Henry decided to ask the Stanleys for help
• Richard sent his personal guard to kill Henry but closely missed. Sir William Stanley then sent his cavalry to attack Richard and his horse was killed. The Earl of Northumberland still chose not to fight
• Richard rejoined the battle but was killed and his forces fled
• Legend states a soldier found Richard III’s crown in a thorn bush and Thomas Stanley crowned Henry while saying, ‘Henry VII, King of England.’