Henry VII - consolidation

Battle of Bosworth

Battle of Bosworth

22nd August 1485 - Henry faced Richard near Leicester. The last War of the Roses - fights between York and Lancaster.

Arrived at Mill Bay in Wales - gained an army of about 5,000 - 6,000 soldiers. Richard had an army of 10,000.

Lord Stanley and his brother, William switched sides at the last minute.

Use of Parliament

Held first parliament after coronation - show independence.

First parliament - declared Henry King by hereditary title and grace of God.

Reversed and passed Attainders, rewarding Henry’s supporters. Tunnage and poundage granted and the Act of Resumption meant lands held by Henry VI were reclaimed.

Passed acts to ensure maintenance of peace and enforcement of law. Approved a new oath of loyalty to be sworn. Nullified an act that declared the children of Edward IV illegitimate.

Use of propaganda

Tudor Rose - Merged Lancastrian red rose and Yorkist white rose - symbol of reconciliation.

Arthur - Named his son after King Arthur - symbol of honourable kingship.

Red Dragon - Fought under the red Welsh banner - reputable.

Cadwaldr - Champion horse in black cloth embroidered with Cadwaldr’s arms (the last Welsh King)

Portcullis - Henry’s chapel in Westminster was decorated in portcullis - his mother’s family emblem.

Lancastrianism - Henry VIII was named after Henry VI and the Pope canonised VI, making his tomb a pilgrimage.

Coronation and Marriage

27th October - Dined in Lambert Palace - proceeded to Tower of London.

28th October - Titles granted to loyal servants, dined in the King’s great chamber.

29th October - Procession to West Minster Hall.

30th October - Archbishop anointed and crowned Henry. Showed himself to the people then returned to the Tower for the banquet.

Henry and Elizabeth married on the 18th January 1486, uniting the houses of York and Lancaster.