Henry VII:
Aims:
1. Secure his throne.
2. Achieve international recognition
3. Dynasty's legitimate succession.
4. Promote prosperity.
5. Maintain prestige whilst keeping costs down.
Consolidation of Power:
22nd August 1485: Battle of Bosworth.
o Defeated Richard III.
o Claimed it was God’s will that let him win.
21st August: Dated the reign here so Yorkists could be deemed
traitors and he could not be named a usurper.
Jan 1486: Married Elizabeth of York.
o United the houses of Lancaster and York.
1486: Birth of Prince Arthur, strengthened the dynasty.
Controlling the Nobility:
1495: Sir William Stanley, Henry’s Chamberlain, executed for
negotiating with Warbeck.
Henry became increasingly repressive towards the nobility as his
reign progressed.
Number of nobles reduced for 62 → 42.
Carrot and Stick Approach:
o Carrots:
Order of the Garter: 37 awarded to key supporters.
Limited peerage: Created few nobles- kept peerage
loyal.
JPs: Justices of Peace, used to control local law, powers
expanded.
o Sticks: