Henry VII (1485-1509)

Flashcards about Henry VII's reign, including his strategies for uniting the kingdom, controlling the nobility, dealing with pretenders, and foreign policy.

What was Henry VII's primary goal upon ascending the throne?

Henry Tudor, with limited experience, aimed to unify the Yorkist and Lancastrian factions.

How did Henry VII unite the houses of Lancaster and York?

He married Elizabeth of York, uniting the houses of Lancaster and York.

What was Henry VII's approach to managing the nobility?

To strike a balance and prevent them from becoming too powerful.

How did Henry VII fill government positions?

Wars of the Roses had reduced the number of powerful nobles so, he relied on educated men from the lesser nobility or merchants.

How did Henry VII reward his supporters and those who had been stripped of their land?

He restored estates to Lancastrian nobles and granted land to supporters.

Whose land did Henry VII take away?

Yorkists.

How did Henry VII deal with resistance and increase his income?

He reorganized the Court of Star Chamber to suppress rebellion and used fines and land confiscation to increase income.

Who was appointed from the gentry to administer justice and maintain order?

Justices of the Peace.

How did Henry VII limit the power of the nobles' private armies?

Restricting the practice of retaining by issuing licenses and imposing fines.

What was a 'recognisance' in Henry VII's reign?

A written contract nobles had to agree to which guaranteed their loyalty and good behavior.

According to Polydore Vergil, why did Henry VII harshly fine wealthy subjects?

Feared that wealth would cause disobedience. Those found guilty of offenses were heavily fined, depriving them and their descendants of their fortunes.

How did Henry VII diminish the political power of senior nobles in his Council?

He reduced their right to attend and increasingly relied on the gentry, knights, esquires, and the professional classes.

Who rose to prominence in Henry VII's government at the expense of the traditional nobility?

Richard Empson, Edmund Dudley, Edward Poynings, and Reginald Bray.

Who was the priest from Oxford who initially caused trouble for Henry VII?

Richard Symonds.

Who was Lambert Simnel and what role did he play against Henry VII?

Lambert Simnel, who was used as a pretender to the throne, claiming to be the Earl of Warwick.

How did Henry VII respond to Lambert Simnel's challenge?

Henry revealed the real Earl of Warwick, who was alive and well. Simnel was defeated at the Battle of East Stoke, and was put to work in Henry's kitchen.

Why was Elizabeth of York crowned queen in November?

To calm Yorkist critics.

Who was the second pretender to the throne during Henry VII's reign?

Perkin Warbeck who claimed to be Prince Richard, the younger of the 'Princes in the Tower'.

What happened to William Stanley after being found plotting with Perkin Warbeck?

William Stanley was executed for plotting with Warbeck.

What was Perkin Warbeck's fate?

He joined a rebellion in Cornwall in protest against taxation, was captured, and eventually executed.

What was the primary cause of the rebellions during Henry VII's reign in 1489 and 1497?

Taxation.

What happened when the Earl of Northumberland tried to collect taxes in Yorkshire?

The Earl of Northumberland was killed by protesters in Yorkshire.

Name some important treaties signed by Henry VII.

The Treaty of Medina del Campo with Spain and the Treaty of Etaples with France.

What factors dictated Henry VII's foreign policy?

A fear of foreign support for enemies and the cost of wars.

What event marked the end of Yorkist threats to Henry VII?

The death of Perkin Warbeck.

How was Henry VII described by the Bishop of Rochester and Polydore Vergil?

Politic wisdom, justice, and prudence obscured by avarice.