The government of Henry VII and threats to his rule Flashcards
Who, when and in what battle did Henry Tudor defeat?
Defeated Richard III
Battle of Bosworth August 1485
Why did Henry not have support of the country at the beginning of his reign? 3 reasons
- many nobles including Thomas Stanley remained neutral during Battle of Bosworth so did not necessarily support Henry.
- usurper, so it was believed his position would not last as the crown had regularly changed hands since 1399.
- he was in exile in France for 14 years so was largely unknown
What was Henry Tudors’ claim to the throne like?
had a weak claim to the throne for the reasons that:
- received his claim through his mother Margaret Beaufort, descendent of Edward III, this meant Henry’s claim was weak as it was through a female rather than a male, who at the time would have been considered a stronger claim.
- even weaker as his mother’s claim was through Edward III’s 3rd son John of Gaunt, but his children were born when his then mistress Catherine Swynford wasn’t married to him. The children were only legitimised later by parliament during the reign of Richard III.
What was Henry’s first attempt to secure his position + how did this help?
Henry VII backdated the date of the start of his reign to the day before the Battle of Bosworth. This incriminated those who fought against Henry as traitors. This meant their estates were seized adding to the King’s wealth + financially ruining the opposition. Whilst also removing any direct opposition to Henry’s rule.
What was Henry’s second attempt to secure his position ?
Henry arranged his coronation for 30th October before parliament met so that it could not be claimed that Henry was king as a result of parliament legitimising him.
What was Henry’s third attempt to secure his position?
Henry asked for papal dispensation to marry Elizabeth of York. This united the houses of York + Lancaster.
The marriage took place in January 1486 after Henry was crowned so that it Henry’s opponents could not say his right to rule depended upon his wife.
What is papal dispensation?
papal dispensation is the written permission of the pope allowing a person to get married
Why were Henry’s attempts to secure his position still not enough to secure Henry’s position?
There were still a number of Yorkists alive who had a strong claim to the throne.
Edward Earl of Warwick, John De la Pole Earl of Lincoln
Which Yorkist claimants were already dealt with by Henry + how ?
Edward de la Pole was sent to the Tower whereas John De la Pole professed loyalty to Henry and was invited to the King’s council.
How did Henry deal with nobles who had supported Richard III?
Earl of Surrey was kept in prison until 1489 whereas the Duke of Northumberland was released at the end of 1485 + restored his position in control of the North.
How did Henry’s years in exile weaken his position?
Henry had been in exile since the battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 during the Wars of the Roses. So Henry was largely unknown by people
What advantages did Henry have in securing his position? 4 reasons
Argue that the country was war weary and would be willing to support a king who brought stability + peace.
Also Richard III was largely unpopular as a ruler
Henry’s exile also meant he had few personal enemies within the English nobility
Henry was an only child this meant he didn’t need to deal with rivalry within his own family.
When did Henry VII go on progress? + why was this important?
Lovell Conspiracy
1486, this was important to gain the support of those in the North and to let the people see the King + for Henry to build loyalty
Who was involved in the Lovell conspiracy?
Wales - Herberts + Vaughans
Stafford Brothers + Lord Lovell.
Why did Henry need to win over the North? (2)
Lovell Conspiracy
- It was largely loyal to Richard III as he had governed the North prior to his reign and built connections + support.
- The north was historically more lawless than the south
How did Henry find out about the Lovell conspiracy?
Lovell Conspiracy
Henry used spies to monitor Yorkist supporters and in April 1486 learned Lovell + Stafford were conspiring rebellion.
Where did Lovell + Stafford flee to? (2)
Lovell Conspiracy
Lovell fled to Flanders under the protection of Margaret of Burgundy?
Stafford brothers fled to Culham Abbey
Where did the Stafford brothers lead the rebellion?
The Lovell Conspiracy
Worcester on May 1486
How was the uprising stopped by Henry?
Lovell Conspiracy
sent John Barrowman to forcibly remove the Staffords from Culham Abbey on 14th May. They were tried before the Court of King’s bench.
Humphrey was executed, his younger brother Thomas Humphrey was pardoned.
What other rebellions occurred at the same time as the Lovell Conspiracy?
The Lovell Conspiracy
In Wales, led by Yorkist supporters Herberts + Vaughans. This was crushed by Rhys ap Thomas who supported Henry at Bosworth
How significant was the Lovell Conspiracy?
The Lovell Conspiracy
Put down relatively easily so was not as serious.
Did not prevent the Royal Progress
Can argue that it was significant because it involved foreign powers of Burgundy.
When was the Yorkshire rebellion?
The Yorkshire Rebellion
- 1489
What caused the Yorkshire rebellion?
The Yorkshire Rebellion
sparked by a parliamentary tax to fund aid Brittany in its struggle against France.
Although Henry was given a subsidy of £100,000 by parliament , little money was raised so Henry used tax
Yorkshire had suffered a bad harvest the previous year
Who were the Percy family?
The Yorkshire Rebellion
The Percy family were the largest landowners in the north of England who ruled the area as virtual kings. Their authority was more important than that of the Kings.
