Henry VII - Rise to the Throne

Question 1

Why was there so much unrest in 1400s?

Answer 1

Lancastrian + Yorkist rivalry. Lancastrians ruled since 1399. Kingmaker - Earl of Warwick.

Question 2

Henry’s lineage

Answer 2

Born - 28/01/1457. Dad - Edmund Tudor, son of Owen Tudor, a page who secretly married Cath of Valois (H5’s widow). Mum - Margaret Beaufort. Claim came from mum - traced back to 3rd son of E3.

Question 3

Early Life

Answer 3

Born at Pembroke Castle under control of Yorkist Lord Will Herbert. Jasper Tudor (uncle) sends him to Brittany under Duke Francis.

Question 4

What happens - 1483?

Answer 4

Suspicious death of E4’s sons (E5 + Richard, D of York) + declaration of R3 as king alarms noblemen and they plot with H7. He flees to Paris after plots against him and gathers army. Within 1 month of landing at Milford Haven, he takes crown from R3 aged 28.

Question 5

Battle of Bosworth 1

Answer 5

22/08/1485. 5k men under H7 + Earl of Oxford + Rhys ap Thomas vs. 10k of R3. R3 gained better position atop Ambion Hill with archers firing down. However, unsure about loyalty of nobles: Lord Tom Stanley + Sir Will Stanley at northside of battle with 4k men, R3 had taken Tom’s son hostage to ensure loyalty + Henry’s mum was married to Tom. Earl of Northumberland reluctant as well.

Question 6

Battle of Bosworth 2

Answer 6

H7 seeks help of Stanley bros. R3 attacks H7 with personal guard but fails. Stanleys attack R3 by surprise + kill him. Earl of North looks on without helping.