Henry VII Consolidation of Power Flashcards
Henry VII dated his reign from the 21st August 1485. How did this help him consolidate power?
The fact that he dated his reign on the 21st August (a day before the Battle of Bosworth) meant that anyone who’d fought against him at Bosworth could be regarded a traitor.
How did Henry VII reward his key supporters when he became king?
He gave out 11 Knighthoods, a public reward.
Who did Henry VII detain as soon as he came to power? Why did he do this?
Elizabeth of York and Earl of Warwick because they each had stronger claims to the throne than he did.
When did Henry arrange his coronation to be? How was this significant?
He had his coronation on the 30th October 1485.
This was significant because the first meeting of Parliament was November 7th, meaning Henry could safely say that he had a legitimate claim to the throne that wasn’t just made through parliamentary legislation.
What were Acts of Attainder? How did Henry VII use them to consolidate his power?
Acts of Attainder declared a landowner guilty of rebelling against the monarch, resulting in his land and title being taken away and his heirs being disinherited.
Henry used Acts of Attainders against Yorkists who’d fought for Richard III at Bosworth, this also meant their income went to the crown which boosted royal income. It forced good behaviour.
Who did Henry VII marry and how did this strengthen his consolidation of power?
Elizabeth of York in January 1486.
This unified the York and Lancaster Houses, thus reducing the risk of rebels.
Because he’d waited to marry until after his coronation, he could claim his own right to rule was his, not just because of his wife’s claim.
When was Prince Arthur born?
September 1489. Heir strengthened dynasty.
