Henry VII's Consolidation of Power

Question 1

What was Henry’s claim through his mother’s side?

Answer 1

Margret Beaufort was the great granddaughter of Catherine Swynford who was John of Gaunt’s (Edward iii’s son) wife.
However, Margaret’s line came from Catherine’s other marriage so her line was illegitimate and not blood related to the king.

Question 2

What was Henry’s claim through his father’s side?

Answer 2

Edmund Tudor was the son of Owen Tudor and Catherine of Velois who was married to Henry V.

Question 3

How did Henry VII become king?

Answer 3

Everyone was opposed to Richard III and his tyrannical reign so Henry’s weak claims were enough to earn him support.
On August 22nd 1485 he killed Richard III at the battle of Bosworth and became king.

Question 4

What was Henry’s early life like?

Answer 4

He had not been brought up to rule.
At a young age he fled to Brittany for safety.
Historian Thomas Penn suggested that his exile was useful for his political training as a future leader.

Question 5

In England under the Tudors what does Geoffrey Elton say about Henry VII’s exile?

Answer 5

“Long exile tamed him and taught him to hide his feelings”

These were important characteristics for a king at the time.

Question 6

How did Henry VII consolidate his power through the Battle of Bosworth?

Answer 6

He dated his reign 1 day before the Battle of Bosworth so he could proclaim anyone who fought against him a traitor to the king.

Question 7

How did Henry VII stop the threat of claimants to the throne?

Answer 7

He detained people with stronger claims to the throne.
e.g. Earl of Warwick who was Edward IV’s nephew.
He also married Elizabeth of York so she could not become queen in her own right.

Question 8

How did Henry VII consolidate power through the distribution of power?

Answer 8

He gave councils to his trusted advisors and relations
e.g. Sir William Stanley
He also publicly rewarded his supporters.

Question 9

How did Henry VII consolidate power in the first meeting of parliament?

Answer 9

He was crowned before the first meeting of parliament to show how his reign was divine right, not just because parliament allowed it.

Question 10

When was Prince Arthur born?

Answer 10

20th September 1486

This strengthened his kingship as it gave him an heir to the throne and showed that god was blessing his kingship.

Question 11

When did Henry’s reign start?

Answer 11

21st August 1485

Question 12

When was the Battle of Bosworth?

Answer 12

22nd August 1485

Question 13

When was Henry VII crowned king?

Answer 13

30th October 1485

Question 14

When was the first meeting of parliament?

Answer 14

7th November 1485

Question 15

When did Henry marry Elizabeth of York?

Answer 15

January 1486

Question 16

When was Prince Arthur born?

Answer 16

September 1486

Question 17

Who was Thomas, Lord Stanley?

Answer 17

Henry VII’s step-father
He was supposed to fight with Richard III but ended up fighting alongside Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth.
Henry rewarded him with the title of Earl of Derby.
He helped to keep control of the Northwest of England and North Wales.

Question 18

Who was Edward, Earl of Warwick?

Answer 18

The son of the duke of Clarence who betrayed his brothers, Henry VI and Richard III.
He was seen as a threat to Henry VII’s reign as he was the nephew of 2 previous kings.
He was held in the Tower of London, so he was no longer a threat.
He was no immediately killed.

Question 19

Who was Sir William Stanley?

Answer 19

Thomas Stanley’s brother and Henry VII’s step-uncle.
He was appointed the title of Lord Chamberlain following the Battle of Bosworth.
However, he was accused of treason when he gave information about Henry to the rebel and claimant to the throne, Perkin Warbeck.