Henry VII - Consolidation of Power and Nobility

Question 1

Why did Henry initially seem weak?

Answer 1

Henry seemed weak because he was a usurper with only a weak claim to the throne.

Question 2

What claim could Henry make about his kingship?

Answer 2

He could claim that God wished him to be king because he had let Henry win at Bosworth.

Question 3

Who were the Yorkist princes with better claims to the throne?

Answer 3

The Yorkist princes included Edward, Earl of Warwick, and John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln, both nephews of Edward IV.

Question 4

What support did Henry have from the nobility?

Answer 4

Henry had little active support from the nobility of England.

Question 5

Which kings were violently overthrown during the Wars of the Roses?

Answer 5

Three of the last four kings were violently overthrown: Henry VI, Edward V, and Richard III.

Question 6

How did Henry strengthen his position after becoming king?

Answer 6

He married Elizabeth of York and had a son, Prince Arthur, gaining support from many Yorkists.

Question 7

What happened to Henry VI’s direct line?

Answer 7

Henry VI’s direct line died out with the death of his son Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1471.

Question 8

What was the significance of Richard III’s son dying?

Answer 8

Richard III’s only son had died as a child in 1484, which strengthened Henry’s position.

Question 9

How did Henry gain independence from noble support?

Answer 9

Henry did not gain the throne with the aid of a great nobleman, thus he did not owe anything to anybody.

Question 10

What was the fate of Edward IV’s greatest ally?

Answer 10

Edward IV was overthrown by his greatest ally, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, in 1470.

Question 11

What rebellion did Richard III face?

Answer 11

Richard III faced rebellion in 1483 from Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham.

Question 12

What was the state of noble power after Bosworth?

Answer 12

There were no ‘overmighty’ noblemen left who might challenge Henry’s kingship.

Question 13

What happened to powerful figures from the Wars of the Roses by 1485?

Answer 13

By 1485, powerful figures like Edward IV and Richard Earl of Warwick were dead, and their lands had largely been inherited by Henry.

Question 14

What was a major advantage for Henry VII regarding family relations?

Answer 14

Henry had no brothers and only one uncle, reducing the risk of familial betrayal.

Question 15

How did the Wars of the Roses affect government machinery?

Answer 15

The Wars of the Roses had not seriously undermined the machinery of government, which was fairly sophisticated.

Question 16

How was Henry’s victory over Richard III perceived?

Answer 16

Henry’s defeat of Richard III was seen as God’s judgement on a regicide.

Question 17

What was Henry VI’s condition during his reign?

Answer 17

Henry VI was a weak man who suffered a serious mental breakdown, rendering him unfit to govern.

Question 18

What was Henry VII’s background as a politician?

Answer 18

Henry VII was an able politician who had learnt his trade as a powerless refugee.

Question 19

What was the threat level of the nobility to Henry’s position?

Answer 19

The nobility was not a serious threat to Henry’s position after Bosworth.

Question 20

What was the status of nobles after Bosworth?

Answer 20

There were no ‘over-mighty subjects’ left who could unseat the king.

Question 21

What happened to nobles who fought against Henry?

Answer 21

The nobles who fought against him were ‘attainted’ but allowed to regain lands gradually through loyal service.

Question 22

What were Acts of Attainder?

Answer 22

Bills of Attainder were used to deal with opponents, denying them a trial and declaring them guilty by Act of Parliament.

Question 23

What happened to the Earl of Lincoln?

Answer 23

The Earl of Lincoln, who joined Lambert Simnel, was killed at Stoke in 1487.

Question 24

What was the fate of the Earl of Northumberland?

Answer 24

The Earl of Northumberland was killed in a brawl in Thirsk in 1489.

Question 25

What happened to Sir William Stanley?

Answer 25

Sir William Stanley was executed in 1495 for negotiating with Warbeck.

Question 26

What was Henry’s initial strategy for controlling the nobility?

Answer 26

Henry conciliated the nobility by calling Parliament often and holding Great Councils to discuss policy.

Question 27

How did Henry demonstrate military leadership?

Answer 27

He offered armed men to Brittany, defeated Simnel at Stoke, and invaded France.

Question 28

What was Henry’s approach to the nobility as his reign progressed?

Answer 28

Henry became increasingly repressive towards the nobility.

Question 29

What financial measures did Henry use against the nobility?

Answer 29

He used Bonds and Recognizances to keep nobles enmeshed in financial constraints.

Question 30

How many peers gave bonds and recognizances during 1485-1499?

Answer 30

During 1485-1499, 11 peers gave bonds and recognizances.

Question 31

What was the increase in wardship revenue from 1487 to 1507?

Answer 31

Wardship revenue increased from £350 in 1487 to £6,000 in 1507.

Question 32

What post did Henry create in 1503?

Answer 32

Henry created the post of Surveyor of the king’s wards in 1503.

Question 33

What measures did Henry take against illegal retaining?

Answer 33

He took licenses or ‘Placards’ against illegal retaining of armed men by the nobility.

Question 34

What was the only known prosecution for illegal retaining?

Answer 34

The only known prosecution was of Lord Burgavenny in 1506.

Question 35

How did Henry exploit the nobility’s desire for loyalty?

Answer 35

Henry exploited the nobility’s desire to be loyal to avoid rebellion against the Crown.

Question 36

What was the nobility’s role in central government during Henry’s reign?

Answer 36

The nobility did not play a prominent role in central government but maintained control over their lands.

Question 37

What prevented nobles from building a great territorial power-base?

Answer 37

None of the nobles had been able to build up a great territorial power-base that might threaten the king.