Consolidation of Power

• Became King after victory at Battle of Bosworth 1485, but his grasp to power was insecure due to:

  • No discernible claim to the throne(Line of John of Gaunt's Third wife, but line was illegitimate)
  • Many enemies who wanted to usurp

  Therefore, It was essential for him to consolidate his power by establishing his dynasty and dealing with threats firmly
• Immediate consolidation:

  • Predated his reign to day before Bosworth
  • Publicly rewarded his supporters issuing 11 knighthoods
  • Detained Elizabeth of York and Earl of Warwick who had greater claims
  • Coronation took place before the first meeting of parliament
  • Acts of Attainder against Yorkists removed land and titles, increasing crown income
  • Marrying Elizabeth of York to unite houses
  • Birth of an heir, Prince Arthur 1489
• 1486 - Lovell and Staffords rebellion

  Tried to raise a rebellion, but little enthusiasm even though it was in Yorkist heartland. Stafford executed but Lovell escaped
• Lambert Simnel:

  • Simnel was being passed as the Earl of Warick by John de la Pole. Henry responded by marching the real Earl around London. Pole got support from Margaret of Burgundy who provided mercenaries.
  • Battle of Stoke 1487 - Army held firm and Pole was killed in battle due to the lack of followers. This was the war that was thought to really end the war of the rosew
• Perkin Warbeck: Claimed to be Richard, Duke of York. He attracted patronage from foreign rules. First attempt to land in England 1495, Warbeck quickly defeated and he fled to James IV of Scotland.

  1496, a small Scottish force crossed the border, but retreated quickly.

  1497, tried to exploit uncertainties made by Cornish rebellion, but fauled and surrendered and was executed