Government of Henry VII and Threats to his Rule - Transferred

Question 1

When did Henry VII claim the English throne?

Answer 1

22nd August 1485

Question 2

Henry VII’s mother was a direct descendant of who?

Answer 2

Edward III, via his third son, John Gaunt

Question 3

Why were there some legal issues with John Gaunt’s descendants?

Answer 3

His children were born to his mistress, who he then married, but they were born before they married

Question 4

Who was Henry VII’s grandmother on his father’s side?

Answer 4

She was a French princess, who was married to Henry V, before marrying Owen Tudor after Henry V’s death

Question 5

Henry VII’s father was _________ to King Henry VI?

Answer 5

Half brother, and therefore a member of the extended Royal family

Question 6

What are the two main weaknesses of Henry VII’s claim?

Answer 6

• Only held the throne as he’d defeated Richard III in battle
• Relatively unknown in England, due to spending 14 years in exile

Question 7

What are the strengths of Henry VII’s claim to the throne?

Answer 7

• Richard III wasn’t popular, so his death would have won Henry some popularity
• Henry’s victory had the potential to end the Wars of the Roses, promising peace and stability
• Henry hadn’t relied on another noble family meaning that there wasn’t a noble family who could also claim the right to the throne