1.1 Henry VII's Consolidation of Power Flashcards
1
Q
Why was H7’s claim to the throne weak?
A
It came through the female line of Margaret Beaufort and the illegitimate John Beaufort
2
Q
How did H7 consolidate his power?
A
- Dated his reign to the day before the Battle of Bosworth (21st August)
- Rewarded his key supporters (11 knighthoods)
- Detained Elizabth of York and the Earl of Warwick
- Made key appointments (Sir William Stanley as Lord Chamberlain)
- Held coronation before calling first parliament showing it was his hereditary right to throne, not via Parliament
- Passed Acts of Attainder to weaken opposition while growing royal finances
- Married Elizabeth of York in 1486
- Had an heir Arthur in Sept 1489
3
Q
John Guy’s quote on H7’s leadership
A
Shrewd, calculating and “unquestioned” royal leadership
4
Q
What is H7’s key initial aim?
A
Consolidate his power
5
Q
What influenced H7’s leadership style?
A
Time spent in France, good political education with idea of strong monarchy
6
Q
What threats remained to H7 after these initial years?
A
- Earl of Warwick as a Yorkist
- Pretenders (The princes in the tower)
- Margaret of Burgundy who had funds to support Henry’s rivals
