Lovell's Rebellion and Lambert Simnel

Who was Lovell? And what was his background?

Francis, Viscount Lovell, supporter of Richard III, perhaps his best friend.

Fought for Richard III at Bosworth

Attained for treason afterwards by Henry VII’s Parliament. Fled with Humphrey Stafford of Grafton.

When did Lovell rebel and where?

He rebelled between March and April 1486 in Yorkshire and Stafford in the west midlands.

Why did Lovell fail in his rebellion?

He had no big support and Henry VII arrived in York on the 20th April 1486 causing them all to flee.

Who was Lambert Simnel claiming to be? Who was he really?

He claimed to be Edward, earl of Warwick but he was really the 10 year old son of an organ maker.

Who was Edward, earl of Warwick, and why was he a rival claimant to the throne?

The son of George, duke of Clarence (Edward IV’s brother).

His Yorkist blood made him a serious candidate for the throne.

Where was the real Edward, earl of Warwick, during this pretenders plot?

He was imprisoned in the tower.

Why did Lambert Simnel claim to be Edward?

There were rumours circulating about the fate of the earl of Warwick and Symonds, a priest from Oxford, wanting to cause trouble for Henry VII passes Simnel off as Edward.

When did Lambert Simnel first appear claiming to be Edward? And where?

Februray 1487 in Ireland

Who supported Simnel’s claim in Ireland? What did this reflect?

Thomas Fitzgerald, chancellor of Ireland, his brother, Gerald Fitzgerald, earl of Kildare and the king’s deputy, and Walter Fitzsimons, the Archbishop of Dublin. This reflected the dissatisfaction with the Tudor regime in Ireland.

What foreign support did Simnel recieve?

Edward IV’s sister, Margaret, Dowager Duchess of Burgundy

What support did Margaret give Simnel?

She sent money and a force of 2000 German mercenaries to Ireland

Why was this support for Simnel significant?

It was out of Henry’s control since Margaret is abroad and the situation is in Ireland

When was Simnel crowned in Ireland?

May 1487, the Irish crowned Simnel as King Edward VI in Dublin.

When does Henry become aware of Lambert Simnel? What is his immediate reaction?

New Year 1487

The real earl of Warwick was take from the Tower and paraded through the streets of London to prove publicly that he was in Henry’s custody.

What noble supported Simnel’s claim and denied Henry’s captives?

Warwick’s first cousin, John de la Pole, earl of Lincoln

When did Simnel’s supporters invade England and who did they have for support?

4 June 1487

Backed by 2,000 German mercenaries and 4,000 Irish light infantry

When was the Battle of Stoke? And what happened?

16 June 1487

Lincoln was killed and Lovell escaped. Simnel was captured and pardoned, then employed in the king’s household.