Henry VIIs consolidation of power Flashcards
What was Henry’s claim to the throne + why was it weak?
-His mother, Margaret Beaufort, was a descendant of Edward III
-This weakened his claim as it was maternal
-All other senior lancastrians had died
Where did Henry grow up?
He grew up in the Duchy of Brittany and it’s court, with his uncle Jasper Tudor, after fleeing there when he was 14
What did Henry do growing up?
He spent a time hanging around the Duke’s court, giving him key experience in how to rule
What did Henry learn from the Duke of Brittany?
-Rulers should never let themselves go
-They should keep their dignity
-They should retain control of their land
-They should never become indebted to a group or party
How did Henry VII’s time in Brittany influence his kingship?
He was very careful as king, always staying on top of every piece of information in order to remain authoritative and in control
What was Henry’s character like?
He was very calculated, peaceful, dignified and astute in court so as to prevent him being manipulated.
He was very faithful to his wife, although he never gave her political influence as it was too much of a risk
What were Henry’s 3 main aims in his reign?
-Ensure a dynasty
-Reduce the influence of nobility (“Live of his own”)
-Strengthen royal authority, especially through a strong financial foundation.
Who provided the main threat to Henry’s reign internally?
-The De la Poles
-Namely, John (Earl of Lincoln) and Edmund (Earl of Suffolk), who had an equal claim to the throne as him
Who provided the main threat to Henry externally?
-Margaret of burgundy, who was Richard IIIs sister, and whose marriage to Charles the Bold gave her significant influence over Burgundy.
What advantages did Henry hold when he assumed power?
-Had inherited many crown lands from traitors
-People wanted the recovery of royal power
-He had admirable qualities
-Had few personal enemies or family rivalry
How did Henry consolidate his power through his coronation?
-Dated his reign to 21st August 1485, the day before Bosworth, so all his enemies could become traitors and their lands part of the crown lands via Act of attainder
-Organised his coronation before the first meeting of parliament
-His coronation signalled approval of church, and therefore God
How did Henry consolidate his power through marriage?
-Married Elizabeth of York in Jan 1486
-Combined Lancastrian and Yorkist leaders
-Had already crowned himself King so no claims of succession via Elizabeth could be made
How did Henry consolidate his power through children?
-Had Arthur in September 1486
-Established a future for the dynasty
-Had a symbolic name
Why and when did Henry tour the north?
April 1486
Gathering control of the localities
Whose support did Henry gather?
Pope
Kings of France and Spain
