1. For each of the following events explain in detail how each led to
Henry consolidating his throne.
· 1485 – Battle of Bosworth Field
Henry had dated his reign from 21 August 1485, the day before the battle of Bosworth,
thereby ensuring that anyone who had fought on the yorkists side could be designated a
traitor
· 1485 – Henry VII coronation
Arranged his coronation on 30th October before meeting of his first parliament on 7th
November , thereby demonstrating that his right to the throne was hereditary right and not
only because Parliament sanctioned it.
· 1486 – Marriage to Elizabeth of York.
January 1486- Henry married Elizabeth, the daughter of King Edward IV. By waiting until the
other steps towards consolidation of power had been completed, Henry was able to ensure
that his assumption of the crown was not brought about by his wife’s own claim to the
throne. However he was able to exploit royal propaganda for the union of the two houses of
Lancasster and York.
· 1487 - Act Against Retaining
Parliament, Lords and commons had to swear that they would not retain legally
· 1495 – Council Learned in Law
An offshoot from the main Royal council which dealt initially with managing and pursuing the
King’s feudal rights, but soon assumed control of all financial matters relating to crown lands.
They acted as debt collectors. Henry demanded a financial bond from individual nobles or
families. This would place the noble in debt of the crown, so that he would remain loyal in the
future.
· 1504 – Act Against Retaining
It required nobles to obtain special licences from the king before they could retain large
numbers of men, and imposed severe fines if they did not.
2. Recreate a table like the one below about the
different aspects of Henry’s government & financial management.
Henry consolidating his throne.
· 1485 – Battle of Bosworth Field
Henry had dated his reign from 21 August 1485, the day before the battle of Bosworth,
thereby ensuring that anyone who had fought on the yorkists side could be designated a
traitor
· 1485 – Henry VII coronation
Arranged his coronation on 30th October before meeting of his first parliament on 7th
November , thereby demonstrating that his right to the throne was hereditary right and not
only because Parliament sanctioned it.
· 1486 – Marriage to Elizabeth of York.
January 1486- Henry married Elizabeth, the daughter of King Edward IV. By waiting until the
other steps towards consolidation of power had been completed, Henry was able to ensure
that his assumption of the crown was not brought about by his wife’s own claim to the
throne. However he was able to exploit royal propaganda for the union of the two houses of
Lancasster and York.
· 1487 - Act Against Retaining
Parliament, Lords and commons had to swear that they would not retain legally
· 1495 – Council Learned in Law
An offshoot from the main Royal council which dealt initially with managing and pursuing the
King’s feudal rights, but soon assumed control of all financial matters relating to crown lands.
They acted as debt collectors. Henry demanded a financial bond from individual nobles or
families. This would place the noble in debt of the crown, so that he would remain loyal in the
future.
· 1504 – Act Against Retaining
It required nobles to obtain special licences from the king before they could retain large
numbers of men, and imposed severe fines if they did not.
2. Recreate a table like the one below about the
different aspects of Henry’s government & financial management.
