Henry vii rise to power - bosworth

Q: How did Henry VII enhance his control over the crown and secure legitimacy after Bosworth?

• Coronation (Oct 1485)

  • Held before Parliament met to assert divine right and independent legitimacy.

• First Parliament (Nov 1485)

  • Summoned to confirm his rule.

  • Passed attainders against key Yorkists to weaken opposition.

• Backdating his reign (to 21 Aug 1485)

  • Made Richard III’s supporters traitors by law, strengthening his legal authority.

• Marriage to Elizabeth of York (Jan 1486)

  • United Lancastrian and Yorkist factions.

  • Helped end the Wars of the Roses symbolically and politically.

• Birth of Prince Arthur (Sept 1486)

  • Secured the Tudor succession and strengthened dynastic stability.

• Royal Progress (1486)

• Toured the Midlands and North to build recognition, loyalty, and visibility in politically sensitive regions.

What strategies did Henry VII use to win over anti-Ricardian supporters and broaden his base?

• Henry rewarded key anti‑Ricardians with influential positions, including Thomas Lovell, Reginald Bray, and John Morton.

• These appointments broadened his support beyond traditional Lancastrian loyalists.

• Their loyalty strengthened Henry’s early regime and helped stabilise his authority.

• They played a role in suppressing early Yorkist threats, such as the Lovell and Stafford rebellion (1486).

• The rebellion was poorly organised and collapsed quickly due to Henry’s swift military action.

What methods did Henry VII use to reward loyal supporters and manage former enemies?

Rewarding Friends

• Order of the Garter – prestige, no cost.

• Thomas Stanley → Earl of Derby.

Treating Enemies

• Used mercy to secure loyalty.

• Earl of Surrey – imprisoned, then restored.

• 138 attainders, 46 reversed.

• Many Ricardians kept land; few executed.

• John de la Pole spared, later rebelled (Stoke 1487).

What caused the Battle of Bosworth?

• Long‑term conflict between Yorkists and Lancastrians (Wars of the Roses).

• Richard III’s rule was seen as illegitimate and tyrannical by many nobles.

• Henry Tudor returned from exile with French support.

• Key nobles (e.g., Stanleys) were undecided and could tip the balance.

What advantages did Henry Tudor have at Bosworth?

• Backed by French mercenaries and funding.

• Supported by Welsh nobles as he marched east.

• Gained the crucial support of Lord Stanley and Sir William Stanley.

• Motivated army fighting to end Yorkist rule.

What weaknesses did Richard III face at Bosworth?

• Unpopular king after the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.

• Could not fully trust key nobles (especially the Stanleys).

• Some Yorkists doubted his legitimacy.

• His army was large but morale was low.

What were the key events during the Battle of Bosworth?

• Henry’s forces advanced cautiously, avoiding risky moves.

• Richard attempted a direct cavalry charge to kill Henry.

• The Stanleys intervened, attacking Richard’s flank.

• Richard was surrounded and killed in combat.

Why did Henry Tudor win the Battle of Bosworth?

• Stanley intervention decisively turned the battle in Henry’s favour.

• Richard’s risky charge left him isolated.

• Henry’s troops were well‑organised and disciplined.

• Richard’s support was uncertain and divided.

: What were the consequences of the Battle of Bosworth?

• Henry VII became king, founding the Tudor dynasty.

• Richard III was the last English king to die in battle.

• Henry united the houses by marrying Elizabeth of York.

• Marked the end of the Wars of the Roses.

threat level

LOW THREAT

• Henry had loyal Lancastrian supporters (Oxford, Jasper Tudor, Stanley).

• Many Yorkists were willing to submit and accept pardons.

• Henry used attainders, bonds, recognisances to keep nobles under control.

MEDIUM THREAT

• Lovell and Stafford uprising (1486) showed Yorkists were still active.

• Some nobles had large private armies and could be unpredictable.

• Henry’s claim to the throne was weak, making pretenders more believable.

HIGH THREAT

• Lambert Simnel Rebellion (1486–87)

  • Backed by Irish troops and German mercenaries.

  • Led by John de la Pole, a legitimate Yorkist claimant.

  • Reached a pitched battle at Stoke.

• Perkin Warbeck (1491–99)

  • Claimed to be Richard, Duke of York.

  • Gained support from France, Burgundy, Scotland.

  • Attracted English conspirators.