Henry VII - Consolidation of Power and Nobility Flashcards
Why did Henry initially seem weak?
Henry seemed weak because he was a usurper with only a weak claim to the throne.
What claim could Henry make about his kingship?
He could claim that God wished him to be king because he had let Henry win at Bosworth.
Who were the Yorkist princes with better claims to the throne?
The Yorkist princes included Edward, Earl of Warwick, and John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln, both nephews of Edward IV.
What support did Henry have from the nobility?
Henry had little active support from the nobility of England.
Which kings were violently overthrown during the Wars of the Roses?
Three of the last four kings were violently overthrown: Henry VI, Edward V, and Richard III.
How did Henry strengthen his position after becoming king?
He married Elizabeth of York and had a son, Prince Arthur, gaining support from many Yorkists.
What happened to Henry VI’s direct line?
Henry VI’s direct line died out with the death of his son Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1471.
What was the significance of Richard III’s son dying?
Richard III’s only son had died as a child in 1484, which strengthened Henry’s position.
How did Henry gain independence from noble support?
Henry did not gain the throne with the aid of a great nobleman, thus he did not owe anything to anybody.
What was the fate of Edward IV’s greatest ally?
Edward IV was overthrown by his greatest ally, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, in 1470.
What rebellion did Richard III face?
Richard III faced rebellion in 1483 from Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham.
What was the state of noble power after Bosworth?
There were no ‘overmighty’ noblemen left who might challenge Henry’s kingship.
What happened to powerful figures from the Wars of the Roses by 1485?
By 1485, powerful figures like Edward IV and Richard Earl of Warwick were dead, and their lands had largely been inherited by Henry.
What was a major advantage for Henry VII regarding family relations?
Henry had no brothers and only one uncle, reducing the risk of familial betrayal.
How did the Wars of the Roses affect government machinery?
The Wars of the Roses had not seriously undermined the machinery of government, which was fairly sophisticated.
How was Henry’s victory over Richard III perceived?
Henry’s defeat of Richard III was seen as God’s judgement on a regicide.
What was Henry VI’s condition during his reign?
Henry VI was a weak man who suffered a serious mental breakdown, rendering him unfit to govern.
What was Henry VII’s background as a politician?
Henry VII was an able politician who had learnt his trade as a powerless refugee.
What was the threat level of the nobility to Henry’s position?
The nobility was not a serious threat to Henry’s position after Bosworth.
What was the status of nobles after Bosworth?
There were no ‘over-mighty subjects’ left who could unseat the king.
What happened to nobles who fought against Henry?
The nobles who fought against him were ‘attainted’ but allowed to regain lands gradually through loyal service.
What were Acts of Attainder?
Bills of Attainder were used to deal with opponents, denying them a trial and declaring them guilty by Act of Parliament.
What happened to the Earl of Lincoln?
The Earl of Lincoln, who joined Lambert Simnel, was killed at Stoke in 1487.
What was the fate of the Earl of Northumberland?
The Earl of Northumberland was killed in a brawl in Thirsk in 1489.
