Henry VII: Consolidation of Power

Henry VII Consolidation of Power

Henry came to the throne after defeating Richard III at Bosworth on 22nd August 1485. However, Henry only had a weak claim to the throne through his mother (Margaret Beaufort) who was the daughter of John of Gaunt. As well as this, Henry have lived abroad since the age of 14 and so was looked down upon when he came to the throne

Consolidating power:

• Main purpose was to consolidate power through military success and politcial actions
• Henry dated his reign to the day before Bosworth so that any Richard III would be declared traitors
• His key supporters were publically rewarded (eg: 11 knighthoods gifted)
• Supporters detained Elizabeth of York and Earl of Warwick as they had a greater claim to the throne
• Arranged for his coronation to take place on 30th October 1485, before a Parlimentary meeting to show that he was King by right, not election
• In January 1486, Henry married Elizabeth of York to unite the Houses of York and Lancaster 
• Had an heir (Arthur) in September 1489

Opposition to the reign: 1486

• Easter 1486
• Francis Lovell and Humphrey Stafford tried to raise a rebellion in North Riding and the Midlands
• Henry learnt quickly of this and arrested (and later executed) Stafford, although Lovell escaped the King's forces

Opposition to the reign: 1487

• Yorkists and previous supporters of Richard III…