Henry VII's character and aims (1) Flashcards
Had Henry been brought up to rule?
No
What happened in 1471 with the House of York?
Edward Iv regained power for the House of York in the Battle of Tewkesbury, in which many of Henry’s relations, the Lancastrians died or were executed.
Where did Henry flee when he was 14?
Henry fled to France, where he lived for most of the time as a fugitive in the Duchy of Brittany.
What is argued about him living as a fugitive?
Thomas Penn- “Henry’s ability to think like a fugitive proved to be useful political training for his future as a ruler”.
What was Henry’s main purpose from 1485?
To ensure that he kept his throne by consolidating his power.
How did he consolidate power rearranging dates around? (2)
1) He dated his reign from 21st August 1485, the day before the Battle of Bosworth, thereby ensuring that anyone who had fought on the Yorkist side could be designated a traitor.
2) He arranged his coronation to take place on the 30th October before the meeting of his first Parliament on 7th November, thereby demonstrating that his right to the throne was based on hereditary right and not only because Parliament had sanctioned it.
How did he consolidate power through rewards? (2)
1) He publically rewarded many of his key supporters, for example by conferring 11 knighthoods.
2) He made key appointments to his Council and household, for example making Sir Reginald Bray Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Sir William Stanley Chamberlain of the Household.
How did he consolidate power through income? (1)
1) Parliamentary Acts of Attainder against Yorkists who had fought at Bosworth ensured that their property was forfeit to the Crown, thereby increasing royal income. This was further enhanced when Parliament granted Henry the customs revenues of tonnage and poundage for life.
How did he consolidate power by eliminating threats? (2)
1) He arranged for supporters to detain Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV, and the Earl of Warrick, Edward Iv’s nephew, each of whom could be seen as having a much greater claim to the throne than Henry.
2) Having detained her the previous year, in January 1486 Henry married Elizabeth of York, the daughter of King Edward IV. He was able to exploit in royal propaganda the union of the two houses of Lancaster and York.
How did he consolidate power through creating a family?
1) In September 1489 with the birth of an heir to the throne Prince Arthur.
