Henry VII's Character and Aims Flashcards
1
Q
What was Henry’s character like?
A
- Was respected, efficient, intelligent and shrewd, but not popular
- Understood court politics and did not trust anyone outside a small group of people
2
Q
Who were Henry’s closet confidants?
A
- Margaret Beaufort (his mother)
- Jasper Tudor, Earl of Oxford
- John Morton
- Richard Fox
3
Q
What was Henry’s approach to kingship? (examples)
A
- Involved himself in everything, even the details of day-to-day govt
- Checked all account entries himself
- Liked to double-check information he was given
4
Q
What were Henry’s most important aim?
A
To maintain a strong hold on his throne and pass it on to his heirs
5
Q
What did Henry have to do to achieve his aim?
A
- Establish his right to the throne. By winning Bosworth he had right of conquest but his own claim was weak
- Control the nobility. Wars of the Roses had been caused by overmighty subject (nobles) and a weak king
- Build a financially strong Crown
6
Q
How did Henry legitimise his reign?
A
- Dated his reign to 21st August 1485, the day before the Battle of Bosworth
- Meant he could declare all Yorkists traitors and try them for treason
- Crown could therefore take Yorkist property
7
Q
How was Henry’s coronation important to establishing him as King?
A
- Took place on 30th October 1485
- Was a highly symbolic event that anointed him by God’s grace
- Involved England’s nobles all taking a public oath of loyalty to him
8
Q
When did Henry first convene parliament and what is it’s significance?
A
- 7th November 1485
- Important because he made sure he had already been crowned
- This meant his authority was not dependent on parliament
9
Q
When and to whom was Henry married to and why was she significant?
A
- Married 18th January 1486
- Significant as it united the warring families of Lancaster and York -> any descendent would come from both houses
- A child would mean the Tudor legacy would live on after Henry
