Henry VII's Consolidation of Power Flashcards
Henry VII’s character
Henry VII was respected, efficient, intelligent and shrewd, but not popular. He also developed a reputation for greed. Henry VII understood court politics and did not trust anyone outside of a small group of people. Margaret Beaufort (Henry’s mother), Jasper Tudor, the Earl of Oxford, John Morton and Richard Fox were his closest confidants. Henry VII loved his wife, Elizabeth of York, but gave her no political influence.
Henry VII’s approach to kingship
Henry VII involved himself in everything, even the details of day-to-day government. He checked all account entries himself. He liked to double-check information he was given.
Henry VII’s aims
Henry VII’s most important aim was to maintain a strong hold on his throne and pass it on to his heirs. To do this he had to: Establish his right to the throne. By winning Bosworth, he had right of conquest but his own claim was weak. Control the nobility. The Wars of the Roses had been caused by over-mighty nobles and a weak king. Strengthen the Crown’s control of England. To achieve his aims Henry had to build a financially strong Crown.
Henry VII’s claim to the throne
Henry VII’s claim was weak because:
It was through his mother and she was descended from a once illegitimate branch of the Lancastrians. There were several Yorkists with better claims than Henry VII. They were:
> Elizabeth of York, the eldest daughter of Edward IV.
> Edward, Earl of Warwick, who was Edward IV’s and Richard III’s nephew by their brother, George.
> John, Edmund and Richard de la Pole, nephews of Edward IV and Richard III by their sister, the duchess of Suffolk.
Legitimising his reign
Henry VII dated his reign to 21st August 1485, the day before the Battle of Bosworth. This meant he could declare all Yorkists traitors and try them for treason. The Crown could therefore take Yorkist property.
Coronation
Henry VII’s coronation was on 30th October 1485. The coronation was a highly symbolic event that anointed him by God’s grace. The coronation involved England’s nobles all taking a public oath of loyalty to him.
Parliament
Henry VII first convened parliament on 7th November 1485. The date is important because Henry made sure he had already been crowned. This meant his authority was not dependent on parliament.
Marriage
On 18 January 1486, Henry VII married Elizabeth of York. This was significant because 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 VII. Because he was already king, Henry VII made sure his authority was not linked to Elizabeth’s heritage.
