Henry VII

• Which two families fought for control of the crown during the Wars of the Roses?

  The Lancaster and York families
• What was the nature of the battles during the Wars of the Roses?

  There were few large battles, and fighting was not continuous with no major physical destruction.
• What resulted from the open hostility during the Wars of the Roses?

  It led to violence, instability, and weaknesses in society.
• How did the weak rule during the Wars of the Roses affect the nobles?

  Many nobles used the weak rule as an opportunity to take control of their own areas.
• What were Henry Tudor's claims to the throne based on?

  His mother's great-great-great-grandfather was Edward III, but his grandfather was illegitimate.
• Why was Henry Tudor in a vulnerable position after 1471?

  He became the main Lancastrian claimant to the throne after the deaths of Henry VI and Prince Edward.
• Who recognized Henry Tudor's vulnerable position and helped him?

  Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke
• How long did Henry Tudor spend in exile, and where was he exiled to?

  He spent fourteen years in exile in Brittany.
• What was Edward IV's attempt regarding Henry Tudor's return?

  Edward IV tried to negotiate to secure Henry's return but failed.
• Who was the Duke of Brittany during Henry Tudor's exile?


  Francis II
• What happened in 1483 regarding Edward IV and Richard III?

  Edward IV died, and Richard III proclaimed himself King, killing Edward IV's nephews.
• How did Henry Tudor build his following during Richard III's reign?

  He built up a following of unhappy and disgruntled nobles.
• Who aided Henry Tudor in escaping Brittany?

  The French king, who was at war with the York house.
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Bosworth Field?

  Henry Tudor was crowned Henry VII after defeating Richard III.
• What was Lord Stanley's role during the Battle of Bosworth Field?

  He positioned himself with 4,000 men and ultimately attacked Richard III to save Henry Tudor.
• How did Henry Tudor's background prepare him for kingship?

  He was a member of the Duke of Brittany’s court, observing court politics and learning to act humbly.
• What did Henry Tudor learn about leadership from his time in Brittany?

  He learned to surround himself with the most trusted individuals and became distrustful of pretenders.
• What are the key aspects of Henry Tudor's claims to the throne?

  • Two relatively weak claims:
  • Mother's lineage to Edward III, but grandfather was illegitimate
  • Grandmother married Henry V before Owen Tudor
  • Became main Lancastrian claimant after 1471
• What were the main events leading to Henry Tudor's rise to power?

  1. Death of Henry VI and Prince Edward in 1471
  2. Henry's fourteen years in exile in Brittany
  3. Edward IV's death in 1483 and Richard III's usurpation
  4. Battle of Bosworth Field and Richard III's defeat
  5. Henry crowned as Henry VII
• When was Henry VII officially crowned king?

  October 1585
• Why did Henry VII get crowned before Parliament met?

  To prevent anyone from claiming that Parliament gave him the throne
• Who did Henry VII marry in January 1486?

  Elizabeth of York
• What does Henry VII's marriage to Elizabeth of York symbolize?

  Reconciliation between the Lancaster and York houses
• What does coronation signify for a king?

  Church and God's approval
• What oath do the nobility swear to Henry VII?

  An oath of loyalty, where rebellion is seen as a sin against God and a crime against the state
• When was Henry VII's son Arthur born?


  September 1486
• What did Henry VII do to organize his royal process?

  He summoned Parliament and toured the kingdom
• Who was rewarded with the title Earl of Oxford?

  John de Vere
• Why was Jasper Tudor important to Henry VII?

  He was Duke of Bedford and helped maintain loyalty
• What position did John Morton hold?

  Lord Chancellor and Archbishop
• How did Henry VII manage to attract talented men with titles?

  By maintaining loyalty among the nobility
• What was Henry VII's approach to punishing opponents?

  He balanced punishments and dated reign before the Battle of Bosworth Field
• What happened to Yorkists with stronger claims during Henry VII's reign?

  They were imprisoned
• What happened to nobles who were suspicious of Henry VII?

  They were stripped of land and titles
• How did Henry VII's leniency affect key families?

  It gained their gratitude and loyalty
• What were the main problems faced by Henry VII during his reign?

  1. Nobles had wealth and territorial power, making them potential rivals.
  2. Uneven crown control, strong in populated areas but looser in borderlands.
  3. Poor crown finance, depleted by wards (internal and external).
• How did Henry VII typically respond to crises?


  His solutions were generally reactions to crises as they arose
• Why did Henry VII not want to delegate too much power to advisers?

  He wanted to manage himself due to natural suspicion of them
• What was the consequence of Henry VII's firm actions against potential rivals?

  He became more feared than loved, leading to a poor reputation
• How did Henry VII depend on nobles to maintain law and order?

  He depended on nobles to maintain law and order in the areas where they held lands.