Henry VII: Consolidation - Post-Bosworth Consolidation

Question 1

Supporters

Answer 1

• Rewarded supporters to ensure loyalty
• Lord Thomas Stanley —-> Earl of Darby + hand of Henry’s mother in marriage
• Sir William Stanley —-> Lord Chamberlain
• Jasper Tudor (uncle) —-> represented royal authority in Wales

Question 2

Coronation

Answer 2

• 30 October 1485
• Coronation signifies approval of the Church
• In feudal law, nobility had to swear an oath of loyalty to king and through the Divine Right of Kings rebellion was seen as a sin against God and the state
• Luxurious procession - impressed people of London

Question 3

Parliament: After Coronation

Answer 3

• Henry opened his first parliament on November 7th 1485
- After coronation, so parliament couldn’t be accused of helping Henry become king

Question 4

Parliament: Predating the Reign

Answer 4

• Henry VII used parliament to date his reign from 21 August 1485, the day before the Battle of Bosworth, so all of Richard’s supporters could be classed as traitors

Question 5

Parliament: Acts of Attainder

Answer 5

• Attainders were special laws passed by Parliament which allowed someone to be declared guilty of treason without going through the process of a trial
• Parliament passed Acts of Attainders against Yorkists who had fought at Bosworth allowing Henry to seize their property
• However, they could regain it if they proved their loyalty
• This increased Henry’s revenue

Question 6

Detained Possible Threats

Answer 6

• Henry had his supporters seize and detain Elizabeth of York (Edward IV’s daughter) and the Earl of Warwick, both of whom had a greater claim to the throne
- This stopped any possible rebellions and uprisings to replace Henry with a Yorkist heir

Question 7

Marriage and an Heir

Answer 7

• Married in January 1486
- After coronation, so no one could accuse Henry of becoming king through Elizabeth

• Propaganda
- Marriage symbolised reconciliation between the Lancastrians and the Yorkists - bringing peace and stability
- Tudor rose

• Heir
- September 1486 - Prince Arthur was born
- Henry strengthened his dynasty by marrying a Yorkist heir, creating an heir that held both the royal blood of the houses of York and Lancaster