Henry VII Consolidation Of Power

Question 1

When was the battle of bosworth?

Answer 1

22nd august 1485

Question 2

Explain the role of Richard III

Answer 2

When. Edward IV died in 1483, Richard III was supposed to rule on behalf of Edward’s sons, but Richard took the throne and was held responsible for the deaths of the “princes in the tower”
He was highly unpopular as a result as Edward had been well loved and people wanted to see his sons in power.

Question 3

Who was Henry?

Answer 3

Henry Tudor, earl of Richmond, had been living in exile in France since he was a boy of 14 years. He became a potential rival as well as the only claimant for the Lancastrian’s as there was no one else to do it.

Question 4

Henrys claim to the throne

Answer 4

He had no discernible claim and had many enemies. He was weak in two respects:
- he was descended through the female line of his mother, Margaret Beaufort
- her line came from john of gaunt’s third wife, who’s son john Beaufort was before before marriage, making him illegitimate
There were stronger, more legitimate claims for the throne such as Elizabeth of york, Edward earl of Warwick and john de la pole

Question 5

Describe the battle of bosworth

Answer 5

Richard himself didn’t gain much support because of his dealings with the prince in the tower.
Earl of Northumberland didn’t engage in battle for Richard, costing him a large forceful ally.
The Stanley’s, sir Thomas and sir William (Henry’s step father and step uncle) switched to Henry’s side.
Richard led a personal attack (brave yet foolhardy) and was surrounded in his attempt to kill Henry. He was cut down and killed.
Henry was crowned king by Lord Thomas Stanley

Question 6

How was Henry suited to rule?

Answer 6

He was not brought up to rule, due to his living in France, therefore from 1485 his main purpose was to ensure he kept the throne

Question 7

What did Henry do to consolidate his reign?

Answer 7

• predated his reign to 21st august 1485, a day before Bosworth, so all those who fought against him could be deemed a traitor
• he married Elizabeth of York 1486 to unite the houses of Lancaster and York to strengthen the legitimacy of the crown, created Tudor rose, any babies would be of strong descent
• crowned king in October 1485, a week before parliament was first called, to show his right to the throne was based on hereditary right not because parliament sanctioned it
• following the battle, Henry travelled to Leicester for the remains of his enemy, then to London on 3rd September 1485, met by the mayor and greeted with cheering from the public.
  To the people it didn’t matter who Henry was, only that he wasn’t Richard.