Securing the Throne

Question 1

What were Henry’s 4 main internal threats to his throne?

Answer 1

1. His weak claim
2. Being a usurper
3. Yorkist threat
4. Years in exile

Question 2

How serious was the threat posed because of Henry’s weak claim?

Explain.

Answer 2

Very serious

Led to many threats from usurpers - Henry was never fully secure in his throne ^{_{(or arguably not until Edmund de la Pole imprisoned in 1506 anyway)}}

Question 3

Weak claim and usurper - what measures did he take?

Answer 3

Arranged his coronation for 30th October 1485

Question 4

Why did Henry arrange his coronation for 30th October 1485 give his throne more stability?

Answer 4

1. Before marriage to Elizabeth - People could not claim he had gained crown through marriage
2. Before he met with Parliament - People could not claim he owed crown to Parliament

Question 5

Was Henry being crowned before his marriage or meeting with Parliament successful in shaking off haters who thought his claim was weak?

Answer 5

Not entirely - plently of people still thought he did not have a strong claim, leading to support for Pretenders

However, after Simnel the Pretenders never gained much English support

Question 6

Why was having a weak claim to the throne a challenge for Henry?

Answer 6

1. Encouraged Pretenders to follow his exampe
2. Upset Yorkists with claims ^{_{(de la Poles)}} who believed they were just as justified if not more so to rule