Henry Tudor’s consolidation of power: character and aims; establishing the Tudor dynasty

When did Henry VII put the beginning of his reign at first Parliment, and why?

21st August, to ensure any Yorkists were designated traitors and vunerable to attainders, and charges of treason.

When was the Battle of Bosworth?

22nd August 1485

When was Henry’s coronation

30th October 1485 at Westminster.

Why did Henry hold his coronation before his marriage to Elizabeth and his first parliament?

Demonstrate that he was the rightful king by the divine right, ensuring his claim didn’t depend on his wife or parliament.

When was the first meeting at parliament?

7th November 1485

What were the 28 Acts of Attainders?

Legislation to strip Yorkists of their titles and land.

What was the Act of Resumption

It returned all crown lands given away after the beginning of the War of the Roses

What was his annual income at the beginning of his reign?

12 000 £

Why did Henry appoint Jaspor Tudor (Duke of Bedford), as Lieutenant of Ireland?

To secure a Yorkist stronghold: Ireland was highly unstable and sympathetic to Yorkists.

Jasper was a loyal ally, which kept the supreme office in the royal family, and prevented Irish lords from gaining full legal autonomy.

Why did Henry release Yorkist Henry Percy (Earl of Northumberland), and appoint him Lieutenant of the North in 1486?

The North was a deeply Yorkist heartland, Henry lacked local loyalty to rule it from London.

He needed a local magnate to maintain law and order and defend the Scottish Border.

By restoring Percy’s land and title, Henry bound Percy’s survival to the Tudor regime.

When did the Papal dispensation grant Henry’s marriage to Elizabeth?

16th Jan 1486

When did the marriage take place?

18th Jan 1486

What was the Royal Progression to the North?

Months-long tour to the north, Yorkist based land, to firmly assure his kingship and power to the public. (Spring 1486)

Birth of Prince Arthur

19th September

Elizabeth crowned Queen of England

25th November 1486

Order of the Garter

Main way to reward loyalty. He gave out prestigious titles instead of land or cash, keeping the crown wealthy and nobles happy.

How mant were granted by the Order of the Garter?

37 nobles within his reign

Example.. Earl of Oxford (John de Vere), most loyal military commander - led army to battle of Bosworth and Stokes.

Peerage

62 in 1485, 42 in 1509

What were the JPs?

Justices of the Peace, local gentry appointed to maintain law and order in their home counties.

JPs acts: Power to arrest poachers and hunters

1485