Henry VII - securing the throne

Question 1

How had HVII gained the throne?

Answer 1

• Through battle, killing Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in August 1485.
• People disliked the rule of Richard but didn’t actively support Henry

Question 2

What was his claim to the throne?

Answer 2

• Weak - through his mother Margaret Beaufort.
• Father’s mother was a French princess married to Henry V before Owen Tudor.
• He was the male Lancastrian claimant to the throne

Question 3

Why did he change the date of the start of his reign?

Answer 3

• Dated it to the day before Bosworth so that anyone who fought against him were traitors and could have their estates seized, which would add to his wealth.

Question 4

What role did Parliament play?

Answer 4

-Arranged his coronation for 30th October, before parliament met, so that it could not be claimed he was King only because of Parliament.

Question 5

How did marriage to Elizabeth of York help his claim?

Answer 5

• Asked for papal dispensation.
• united the houses of York and Lancaster.
• Took place in January 1486, after he had been crowned, so that it could not be claimed he owed the crown to his wife.

Question 6

How did he initially deal with Yorkist claimants?

Answer 6

• Edward (earl of Warwick) sent to the tower.
• John de la Pole (earl of Lincoln) professed loyalty and joined King’s council.
• Earl of Surrey kept in prison until 1489.
• Duke of Northumberland released at the end of 1485 and restored to old position.

Question 7

What role did his exile play?

Answer 7

• Weakened his position.
• Unknown in England, having spent 14 years in exile in France after the Lancastrian defeat at Tewkesbury in 1471.
• Can be argued that country would support a King who could offer peace and stability.
• Replacing not only an unpopular king, but also a King that was dead - not dependent on any nobility.