Unrest in the Early Years Flashcards
When did Henry date the start of his reign and why?
The day before the Battle of Bosworth; this meant that any who fought against him were traitors and could have their estates seized, adding to his wealth.
When did Henry arrange his coronation and why?
30th of October 1585; this was before parliament met, so that it could not be claimed that he was King only because of parliament.
Why did Henry and Elizabeth’s marriage (and her subsequent coronation) take place after Henry had been crowned?
Elizabeth was the eldest granddaughter of Edward IV and therefore was a possible Yorkist claimant to the throne. Henry married her after he was crowned so that opponents could not say that his right to rule depended on his wife.
Who were the two most important Yorkist claimants at the start of Henry’s reign and what happened to them?
Two of Richard’s nephews: Edward (Earl of Warwick) was sent to the Tower; John de la Pole (Earl of Lincoln) professed his loyalty and was invited to join the King’s Council.
What advantages did Henry have when first becoming king?
- People were weary of war and would support a king who would offer stability, despite a weak claim.
- Henry was replacing both an unpopular and dead king.
- Unlike Edward IV, he had not been dependent upon a powerful noble to make him king and therefore was not beholden to another noble family.
How serious a challenge was the Lovell conspiracy?
The co-ordinated plan failed as Henry heard of the plot and sent an armed force to either offer the choice of pardon/reconciliation or excommunication/death.
It did not prevent the royal progress to the North, which helped win loyalty and obedience.
Why did the Yorkshire rebellion take place?
Henry was trying to raise money to aid Brittany in its struggle against France.
- Not only had Yorkshire suffered a bad harvest in 1488, but other Northern counties were exempt from the tax because they were expected to defend the border.
- They were not concerned about the problem of France (indication of localism and regionalism rather than national feeling)
What happened to the rebels in the Yorkshire rising?
They were easily crushed by the royal army, but the tax was never collected.
Why did the Cornish rebellion take place?
Henry needed a tax to raise money for the Scottish threat in support of Warbeck. The Cornish has no interests in events so geographically remote and did not want to pay taxes to help a Northern border.
How many people were in the Cornish rebellion?
Around 15,000 and included cross-class support among minor-gentry but only one noble.
Who did the rebels of the Cornish rebellion aim their complaints at?
‘Evil counsellors’ such as Morton and Bray. Not the king!
How did the Cornish rebellion end and what was the aftermath?
A royal force of 25,000 men crushed the rebels. The leaders were tortured and executed, with others being heavily fined.
What did the Cornwall and Yorkshire risings show about attitudes to the Tudor reign?
The country was not prepared to fund campaigns to defend the Tudor monarchy. 12 years into Henry’s reign, loyalty was still limited.
