HVII - The Lambert Simnel Rebellion

Question 1

Why was this rebellion particularly important for Henry?

Answer 1

If he had failed to assert his authority at the first opportunity, it was probable that he would fall from power. Alternatively, by succeeding he would further assert his authority and show that he was capable of being a good king

Question 2

What were the origins of this pretender?

Answer 2

Richard Symonds was a priest from Oxfordshire who noticed that one of his pupils had a striking resemblance to the sons of Edward IV - the Princes in the Tower. He first decided to pass him off as Richard of York, the younger of the princes, but then decided to pass him off as the Earl of Warwick

Question 3

Where did Symonds take Simnel? What happened here?

Answer 3

Symonds took Simnel to Ireland, a centre of Yorkist support, where the Earl of Kildare proclaimed him King Edward VI

Question 4

Which prominent figures supported Simnel?

Answer 4

• John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln
• Margaret of Burgundy, sister of Richard III and Edward IV, sent a force of 2000 German mercenaries to Ireland commanded by Martin Schwartz - a powerful military leader

Question 5

How did this rebellion unfold? (Battle of Stoke)

Answer 5

• Lincoln did not receive as much backing as they had anticipated as people did not want a repeat of the War of the Roses
• Henry’s army was prepared and the 2 of them met at Stoke in June 1487
• Lincoln had 8,000 men compared to Henry’s 12,000. Lincoln seemed to be winning however, half of their force ended up being killed by the end of it

Question 6

What happened to the prominent figures from the Simnel affair?

Answer 6

• Richard Symonds was arrested and sentenced to life in a bishop’s prison
• Simnel was given a place in the king’s kitchen, a merciful move by Henry
• Nobles who supported Lincoln were not so generously treated

Question 7

What happened to the nobles who supported Lincoln at the Battle of Stoke in 1497? Why was this method good for Henry?

Answer 7

28 were attainted and had their estates confiscated. This sent a clear message that anybody who betrayed the king would be severely dealt with. It also meant that Henry’s wealth was enhanced as the attainted estates became the property of the Crown