Simnel Affair

Question 1

Political Causes

Answer 1

• Henry VII won the throne through the Battle of Bosworth (1485), not by hereditary right so his legitimacy was weak
• Yorkists remained loyal to the House of York after Richard III’s death and saw Henry as a usurper
• Margaret of Burgundy, Richard III’s sister, funded and supported the rebellion as part of her efforts to destabilise Tudor rule

Question 2

Social causes

Answer 2

• England was divided between Yorkists and Lancastrians so rebellion against Henry VII was more likely
• Nobles sought to restore Yorkist power and regain influence lost under the new Tudor rule
• There was significant, popular supports for Yorkists in Ireland and England, who made recruitment for the rebellion easier.

Question 3

Economic causes

Answer 3

• Henry VII’s new financial policies, such as enforcing bonds and recognisance on nobles, created resentment
• The Wars of the Roses had left parts of England economically strained, and Yorkists exploited this discontent

Question 4

Events

Answer 4

• Simnel, a commoner, was used as a figurehead by Yorkist conspirators, claiming he was Edward, Earl of Warwick
• Simnel was crowned King Edward VI in Dublin, gaining strong irish noble support
• Margaret of Burgundy sent 2000 German mercenaries to invade England, landing in Lancashire and marching South
• Battle of Stoke Field (1487) - Henry VII’s army crushed the rebellion; mastermind Earl of Lincoln was killed and Simnel captured but pardoned and put to work as a kitchen servant

Question 5

Political consequences

Answer 5

• Defeat of the Yorkists strengthened Henry VII’s legitimacy, ending major Yorkist threats for over a decade
• The Yorkist cause lost its most serious leaders e.g. Earl of Lincoln John de la Pole
• Henry imposed stricture bonds and recognisances, ensuring nobles remained loyal through financial penalties

Question 6

Social consequences

Answer 6

• Henry tightened control over Ireland, reducing its role as a Yorkist launching point
• The affair helped Henry portray himself as a merciful and rightful king, increasing public support
• Rise of Perkin Warbeck who tried to challenge Henry in 1490s

Question 7

Economic consequences

Answer 7

• Henry imposed financial punishments on Yorkist supporters rather than executing them, securing revenue for the crown
• Simnel affair did not lead to widespread destruction so economic causes were limited