Crushing conspiracy by force

When was the Southampton Plot?

1415

What was the aim of the Southampton Plot?

It aimed to kill Henry V and replace him on the throne with Edmund Mortimer, the earl of March.

Who led the Southampton Plot?

Richard of Conisburgh, third earl of Cambridge; Henry Scrope; and Sir Thomas Grey.

Who betrayed the Southampton plot to Henry V?

Edmund Mortimer, earl of March.

What happened to the conspirators?

The leaders were arrested and imprisoned in Southampton Castle, where they confessed and were swiftly tried and executed as traitors to the crown.

What happened to the conspirators heads?

They were displayed publicly as a warning to others and this quick ruthless treatment of the plotters helped to deter any further rebellions during his reign.

How did the crushing of the Southampton plot weaken the ability of the nobility to challenge royal authority?

• The execution of the plotters deterred any further rebellions by nobility during Henry’s reign (significantly this plot is dated to the beginning of his reign)

• Henry’s act of mercy to towards the Earl of March ensured that the Earl was loyal to Henry (he offered him a pardon)

• Allowed Henry to pursue his foreign policy aims since they were trying to stop him leaving for France

Why was Henry VII’s claim to the throne precarious?

His mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort was a descendant of John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster and brother to Edward III BUT from a relationship Gaunt had with his longstanding mistress, Katherine Swynford.

ALSO there was rumours that Henry’s father Edmund Tudor was illegitimate.

Who was Lambert Simnel?

Aa 10 year old boy who pretended to be Edward, earl of Warwick.

Who supported Lambert Simnel’s claim?

He gained significant support in Ireland and from Margaret, dowager duchess of Burgundy.

At which battle did the Lambert Simnel conspiracy come to a climax?

Battle of Stoke in 1487

Who was Perkin Warbeck?

He claimed to be Richard, duke of York (the younger of the two princes in the tower')

What did Warbeck attempt to do in the 1490s?

He attempted to invade England 3 times but ultimately failed.

Who supported Perkin Warbeck?

The French king and Margaret of Burgundy.

What did Warbeck do in 1497 and how did Henry VII subdue this threat?

He managed to raise a rebel army and besiege Exeter but this ended in failure and in August he gave himself up and was mercifully treated by Henry who allowed him to live under house arrest.

Why was Warbeck then imprisoned in the tower of London?

He attempted to escape house arrest in 1498

What did Warbeck do whilst in prison?

He met Edward, earl of Warwick, and in 1499 they were tried for plotting to escape the tower together and both executed.

When was Edward, earl of Warwick, executed?

28 November 1499

How did the execution of Warwick damage the nobility’s ability to challenge royal authority?

• It removed the leading Yorkist claimant to the throne, confirming the end to the War of the Roses

• Secured the Tudor dynasty

• Warwick was the focus of other plots, which had threatened the security of the crown e.g. Lambert Simnel. This ensured no more plots could take place.