How did Henry VII deal with the threats to his throne in the years 1485 to 1487?

Learning objective – to be able to assess how secure Henry VII position was by 1487. I can describe the different methods which Henry VII used to secure the throne by 1487. Grade D I can explain the different methods which Henry VII used to secure the throne by 1487. Grade B I can explain and analyse the different methods which Henry VII used to secure the throne by 1487. Grade A/A*

What was the nature of Henry VII position in 1485? In 1485, Henry VII won the Crown of England through his victory over Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. Despite his victory, Henry VII’s position was vulnerable as his claim to the throne was weak and his rival claimants had stronger claims to the throne. His successful overthrow of Richard III many encourage his rivals to do the same to him – there was enough military opposition for this to be a significant threat.

Why did Henry VII emerge victorious at Bosworth in 1485? Richard was betrayed by some of the nobility. Particularly, the actions of Sir William Stanley who decided to support Henry on the battlefield was decisive. Important to note that roughly only a quarter of the nobility had fought for Richard, suggesting that noble support for Richard was lukewarm. Richard III’s hot-headed attempt to charge Henry’s troops isolated him from the rest of his army was a tactical error which directly led to Richard III’s death.

What were Henry VII’s options immediately after Bosworth? Henry VII’s victory was, in part, due to the support of the nobility. However, the betrayals of the Stanleys and Northumberland which led to his victory demonstrated to Henry that exactly the same could happen to him. Also, the anti-Ricardian action within the Yorkists only supported Henry to get rid of Richard. There was no guarantee that this support would exist once Richard was now dispatched. However, the 15th century was in a age where the belief that God’s will dictated events. Henry VII victory at Bosworth could be seen as God’s judgement on Richard’s actions. Henry could present his victory as one given by God. Richard III was killed leaving no heir. This was an advantage for Henry as there was no focal point for any potential Yorkist uprising.

How did Henry VII present himself as the rightful monarch? Henry’s priority was to present himself as the rightful King of England and securing that position. His first move was to organise a coronation. This included a coronation oath, which declared he was anointed by God, and the calling of his first Parliament – an important royal prerogative. The Parliament of 1485 declared Henry VII’s reign to have began on 21st August 1485 – the day before Bosworth – turning Henry into the legal king and Richard as the usurper and all his supporters as traitors. The allowed Henry, legally, to punish many of his opponents. Henry repealed the Titulus Regius which had legitimatised Richard III claim and sidelined Henry’s future wife – Elizabeth of York. By marrying Elizabeth of York, this neutralised Yorkist opposition.

How did Henry VII reward his supporters? It was important for Henry to reward his supporters, because he relied upon them to seize the Crown and he needed them to help rule England. On the other hand, Henry knew that no member of the nobility could accumulate too much power and become a realistic rival. Therefore, Henry was careful on who to reward and by how much. Key people in Henry’s government were Jasper Tudor, Sir William Stanley and John Morton. Men who not only assisted Henry but had government experience which Henry did not possess himself.

How did Henry deal with those who had supported Richard III? Henry’s coronation and support from Parliament allowed him to act legal when seizing his opponent’s land. Henry did not execute many of those who supported Richard. Some were rehabilitated into government if they swore loyalty, while others were isolated or imprisoned. Henry passed a law in 1485 banning private armies, which reduced the power of the nobility. The Act of Resumption of 1486 took back all Crown land which had been granted away since 1455. This greatly increased the power of the Crown and boosted its income.

Did Henry VII win over everybody? Henry’s early rule was a balance between cautious rewarding of his supporters balanced with trusting former enemies. Henry’s marriage to Elizabeth of York won over many Yorkists – particularly those who opposed Richard III. However, hard-line Richard III supported proved to be a constant threat. The most significant threat was the Lovell and Staffords’ Uprising in the Midlands in 1486 – spearheaded by Lord Lovell, who had lost his land to Henry VII’s first parliament. The uprising was easily defeated by Henry VII.

Place these cards in a significance list and then explain how Henry VII met each challenge.

Plenary – My Brain Subheading – My Brain Draw an outline of your brain. Fill your drawn brain with all the things you have learnt in this lesson. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.