Henry VIII: Consolidation - Legacy

Question 1

Describe the death of Henry VII

Answer 1

• Henry VII died on 21st April 1509 following a period of isolation and illness
• His death was kept secret (even from his son Henry) for two days as his old councillors plotted how to maintain power

Question 2

What were finances like when Henry VIII inherited the throne?

Answer 2

• Henry VII left his son with numerous methods with which to gain finances
• Henry VIII also inherited around £300,000 in readily available funds from his father
• This was a massive amount

Question 3

Was Henry VIII left with popular forms of governance?

Answer 3

• Henry VIII inherited an unpopular government and ways of gaining money like bonds and recognizances and the Council Learned in the Law

Question 4

What was foreign policy like when Henry VIII inherited the throne?

Answer 4

• Henry VII’s foreign policy had been cost effective and peaceful
• England was unthreatened abroad but also fairly unimportant

Question 5

Did Henry have a lot of experience when he inherited the throne?

Answer 5

• Unlike his brother Prince Arthur, Henry had not been trained in governing a country or the duties of kingship
• Henry was not sent to Ludlow Castle to learn the arts of government like Arthur was