claim, aim, consolidation

• Henry VII came to power by killing Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth on 22 August 1485
• Henry VII had a limited claim to the throne - his mother was a direct descendant of Edward III ad he was the half-nephew of the King of England. But, Henry was an only child so he had no fear of family rivalry
• Henry VII's aims:

  • Establish the dynasty (remain king, pass on throne to his heir)
  • Control the nobility
  • National security
  • Improve trade links
• Henry predated his reign to 21 August 1485. This meant that he could treat his opponents as traitors.
• To consolidate his position, Henry portrayed Richard III as an illegitimate usurper
• Henry married Elizabeth of York on 18 January 1486, uniting the two houses (York and Lancaster). However, he did this after his coronation to show that it wasn't their marriage that made him the rightful King
• Henry used his coronation (30 October 1485) to ensure he present himself as a powerful king. he wanted the festivities to surpass those of Richard III's coronation
• Henry VII developed his own personal protection force: The Yeomen of the Guard.
• 7 November 1485, Henry called his first Parliament (after his coronation). As only a king could call Parliament it was a sign of his Kingship. Also, Parliament legitimised his reign by recognising Henry's title to the throne