1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 – A Level History Study Notes – A* (AQA)
Henry VII
Tudors: War of the Roses:
• Wars had originally begun after Edward III died in 1377, leaving his grandson
Richard to become king, however as he was only 10 years old at the time, so his
uncle (John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster) ruled.
• Richard rebelled against his uncle and made unpopular decisions with the
other powerful men.
• 1399, John of Gaunt died and Richard III confiscated the land he owned,
leading Henry to raise an army, and took the throne as Henry IV
• Richard was imprisoned
• Henry IV died in 1413, however as the country was at peace and Henry v
succeeded
• Henry V married the daughter of the king of France, and in 1422, Henry VI
became the king of England and France
• As Henry VI was a weak king, it led to Richard Duke of York defeated the
king's army, however Richard died in 1459 in the battle of Wakefield
1
,1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 – A Level History Study Notes – A* (AQA)
• 1461- Richard's son Edward fought and took the king as prisoner, making
himself king
• Although Henry regained the throne, he died in 1471, as was his son Edward
• Edward VI was king until 1483
• As both his sons were too young for his rule, so that their uncle, Richard Duke
of Gloucester ruled. The sons disappeared to the tower of London
• Richard was crowned Richard III - He wasn’t a popular king
• Richard III was killed by Henry Tudor
• Allows for Henry to become king
• Lancastrians are dead
• Hates Richard (kills his nephews)
• Had a huge influence but was paranoid and ruthless
• Silk merchants accused of murdering children, executed, Henry took their land
but however the merchants didn’t have any children
Battle of Bosworth:
• 22nd August 1485 (says he took over on the 21st so no regicide to kill Henry's
supporters
• Henry Tudor marched from Mildred Havel (Whales) with 2002 men and
battlefield Richard III
• Henry had previously sailed from Haufler on August 1st, and had 400/500
loyal followers and 1500 French soldiers. It landed at Milford Haven on August
7th and marched north along the cardigan coastline and then to the Cambrian
mountains and the river seven that followed the English borders
• August 12th, supported by a landowner in South Whales (Rhys ap Thomas)
who promised lieutenancy of Wales if Henry won, but he needs more support
2
,1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 – A Level History Study Notes – A* (AQA)
• Went to step-farther Lord Stanley and his brother sir William Stanley, they
owned large amounts of land in North Wales and the border region. They gave
Henry money
• Earl of Shrewsbury, Gilbert Thomas gave his support and 500 men
• Richard lll was at Nottingham castle at the time of attack but did nothing as he
didn’t see Henry as a big threat
• Went to Leicester, fought two and half miles south of Market Bosworth
• Henry had 5000 men
• Richard had 12000 men. (4000 from Stanley who couldn’t be trusted)
• On August 22nd, Stanley’s forces stayed away from the fight
• Richard had the crest of Ambien hill (Henry was at the bottom of the marsh
lands)
• Henrys men charged up hill, long bow shot at Richard’s troop
• Heavy casualties on both sides
• Richard III had targeted Henry himself
• William Brandon – Tudors standard bearer, was killed
• Stanley's forces aided Henry and Richard III was killed with Henry being
made kind
3
, 1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 – A Level History Study Notes – A* (AQA)
•
Tudor Society:
• The nearer the top of the system, the richer you were
• Born poor, little chance of becoming rich
• People were taught in the church that their life was determined by God
• Through the church poor men became rich and powerful
The Church:
• The church was powerful and owned large amounts of land
• Tudors were religious so attended church services
• The church preached in order to control people's lives
• During the reign of Henry VIII and the church became less powerful
• Henry was head of the church
• Henry got rid of monasteries and confiscated their land
Entertainment:
• Theatre (plays: comedies and tragedies e.g. Romeo and Juliet)
4
