Henry VII - Consolidation of power Flashcards
When did he become king?
22 August 1485 after the battle of Bosworth
Why was his claim to the throne weak?
He descended through his mother’s line.
John Beaufort was born before his parents were married, so he was considered illegitimate.
Who was Thomas, Lord Stanley?
Henry’s stepfather - intervention helped win the battle of Bosworth. Rewarded by becoming the Earl of Derby.
Was he fit to rule?
Was not brought up to rule. Went into exile when he was fourteen - gave him political training.
What were some of his characteristics?
Never overcome by passion
Eager for money
High intelligence and determination
What was his main purpose after taking the throne?
To ensure he kept his power
How did he consolidate his power?
Dated his reign as the day before the battle of Bosworth - 21 August
Rewarded key supporters - 11 knighthoods
Detained Earl of Warwick
Coronation 30 October - week before first parliament meeting.
When and who did he marry?
He married Elizabeth of York in January 1486.
Gave birth to Arthur in September.
Who was the Earl of Warwick?
1475 - 99
Placed in Tower of London 1485
Alleged to have plotted with Perkin Warbeck and was beheaded for doing so
Who was Sir William Stanley?
1435 - 95
Brother of Thomas Stanley
Rewarded with the post of Lord Chamberlain.
Had considerable influence and developed his landed estate in Cheshire and North Wales.
Was later accused of treason.
What were parliamentary sanctions?
Official confirmations or ratifications of laws given by parliament as the acclaimed body of the state.
What were Acts of Attainder?
If a landowner was declared guilty of rebelling against the monarchy, the noble lost his title, lands (sometimes his head), and his heirs were disinherited.
What was tonnage and poundage?
The right to raise revenue for the whole reign from imports and exports.
Who posed the biggest threat?
Margaret of Burgundy as she had access to funds that could help potential Yorkist claimants.
What was the Viscount Lovell and the Stafford’s uprising?
1486 - Viscount Lovell and Humphrey Stafford (supporters of Richard III) tried to raise a rebellion in Yorkshire.
Lovell managed to escape but Stafford was executed.
Little enthusiasm for a rebellion.