Henry VII initial consolidation of power, 1486.

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  • Over-view of Henry VII's initial consolidation of power
    • Predating his reign
      • Henry re-wrote history after the battle of Bosworth- claims his reign begins day before battle.
        • This allows him to brand Richard and his allies as traitors, allowing him to legally punish them.
          • First step for legitimising his reign.
          • Through acts of Attainder and imprisonment.
        • Reign pre-dated to 21st August 1485
    • Marriage
      • In Jan 1486, Henry applied for a Papal dispensation to marry Elizabeth of York.
        • Their marriage united the houses of Lancaster and York, and also further legitimised Henry's reign, as Elizabeth had a better claim to the throne than Henry.
          • Daughter of Edward IV, neice of Richard III.
          • Henry didn't have Elizabeth crowned until two years after him, in Nov 1487, only after she had given birth to a male heir, prince Arthur, in 1486.
            • Elizabeth is only made queen after she has produced an heir, and Henry's dynasty has been secured.
    • Coronation and summoning of Parliament
      • Coronation took place on the 30th October, before the 1st meeting of parliament
        • Being crowned before assembling parliament allows Henry to begin his first parliament from a position of power.
          • He has already been approved by the church (and thus, God) so isn't seeking parliament approval.
      • Parliament is summoned in November 1485.
        • Traditional act for a new king, symbolising his power over parliament.
    • Rewarding supporters
      • Henry rewarded his supporters well, to ensure their continued loyalty.
        • John De Vere became the Earl of Oxford
        • Lord Stanley (who had deserted Richard at the battle of Bosworth) became Earl of Derby
        • His Uncle, Jasper Tudor, was given royal authority over Wales.
        • Sir William Stanley became lord Chaimberlain
        • John Morton Became lord chancellor, and later the Archbishop of Canterburyu
        • However, Henry tended to limit the rewards handed out to a select few supporters, to preserve his own wealth.
    • Punishment of enemies
      • There were several Yorkist claiments to the throne still living after the battle of Bosworth.
        • The survival of Henry's reign would depend on how he dealt with them:
          • Edward, Earl of Warwick, was sent to the tower.
          • John De LA pole, Earl of Lincoln, and his father, the Duke of Suffolk showed loyalty to Henry so they were forgiven.
            • Lincoln even became a member of the kings council.
          • The earl of surrey, was imprisoned until 1489.
          • The Earl of Northumberland was imprisoned also, but release after just a year.
        • Henry was rather lenient with the the remaining yorkists because he was trying to unite the two houses, and bring and end to the war. Harsh punishments would encourage further violence.
    • Royal Progress
      • A tour of the country by the king and his retinue. Henry's was specifically organised to travel through the Yorkist north, to cement his power there.
      • This enabled Henry to present himself as King to his people, and gave the nobility the opportunity to show loyalty to him through the offering of accommodation and gifts to the royal party.

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