Establishing the Tudor Dynasty, Consolidation

• Pre-dating the Reign

  Henry VII pre-dated his reign to 21st August 1485, a day before the Battle of Bosworth

  This was important as it allowed him to declare that any nobles who had fought on Richard III's side would be guilty of treason

  This gave him an excuse to confiscate lands and improve the crown's finance.
• Who did he marry in January 1486 to secure his authority?

  Elizabeth of York
• Why did he wait until after his coronation to marry Elizabeth of York?

  To ensure he was crowned in his own right, not by his wife's claim
• What was the significance of holding the first Parliament after his coronation?

  It demonstrated that his authority as king was derived from his own power, not Parliament
• What action did he take against nobles who fought against him?

  He passed an Act of Attainder against them
• What rights were granted to him alongside the Act of Attainder?

  Tonnage and poundage rights
• What did the nobles do to show their loyalty to him?

  They swore an oath to him
• How did he reward his key supporters?

  By conferring 11 knighthoods to them
• Who were two key supporters that received key appointments.

  Thomas and William Stanley

  Earl of Derby and Lord High Chamberlain
• Lambert Simnel Rebellion 1487


  Simnel was pretending to be the Earl of Warwick, Edward, under the leadership of Earl of Lincoln and Yorkist claimant, John de la Pole.

  Was crowned king of Ireland 1487, Henry paraded the real, imprisoned Edward outside of the tower of London.

  Support from Margaret of Burgundy, paid for Mercenaries to invade England.

  Battle of Stoke Field, 1487. Henry's army led by Earl of Oxford, John de la Pole killed during battle, Simnel sent to work in the royal kitchens.
• Significance of the Battle of Stoke


  Allowed Henry to see who was loyal to him and who he had to look out for.

  Allowed him to display his leadership, organisational and military skills and tact in his response to the rebellion.

  His punishment was fairly lenient, showed that he was a fair king, Yorkist support gained for that.

  Brought an end to the War of the Roses.

  Made Henry's position safer.
• Perkin Warbeck imposture

  Claimed to be Richard, Duke of York, one of the Princes in the Tower.

  Support from Margaret of B and stayed in Charles VIII's court in France until the Treaty of Etaples.

  Attempts in 1495, 1496 with Scotland, Treaty of Ayton and 1497 Cornish Rebellion.

  Finally surrendered, allowed to stay in court until attempt to flee.

  Sent to the Tower, attempted to escape with Earl of Warwick, treason and execution.
• What was so important about the Warbeck imposture?


  Immediate threat from the accomplice in his own court, Lord Chamberlain Sir William Stanley.

  Revealed the vulnerability of Henry.

  Warbeck maintained his imposture for 8 years, remaining an irritant and gaining foreign support.

  Potentially serious threat, and fragility of Henry. Too lenient in punishment initially?