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To what extent was the Lambert Simnel Rebellion the most significant threat to the early reign of Henry VII?
A* 25 mark essay on Henry VII, pretenders for AQA A Level history
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To what extent was the Lambert Simnel rebellion a more significant threat to theearly reign of Henry VII than the Lovell and Staffords' rebellion?
The early reign of Henry VII was characterised by the insecurity of his throne. The nature of
Henry's usurpation left a ricardian uprising inevitable, causing two major rebellions within the
first two years of his reign. The influence of each of these risings is undeniably significant, but
the Lambert Simnel rebellion undoubtedly overshadows its predecessor. When else in his reign
would Henry face such parallels with his own rise to power? When else would he see a plot for
his demise come so close to being materialised?
Firstly the result of the Lambert Simnel rebellion was far more of a threat to Henry than that of
the Lovell Stafford rebellion, culminating in what many historians consider the final battle of the
wars of the roses. After landing in Furness on the 4th of June 1487, the rebel forces, led by the
Earl of Lincoln along the great north road southwards. After three days of running battles with
Lord Scales cavalry, Scales was forced to flee to Nottingham. This news caused York to
proclaim King Edward VI. Lincoln seemed to be drawing Henry to a particular site for the battle,
likely one that would favour his army of roughly 8000 in comparison to Henry’s of between
12000 and 15000 men. Although Henry had the upper hand in terms of the number of men at
his disposal, this battle had striking parallels with that of Bosworth Field. Like Henry at
Bosworth, at Stoke Field Lincoln was a recipient of foreign aid, with 2000 German mercenaries
led by Martin Schwarz and supplied by Margaret Dowager Duchess of Burgundy, and a usurper
who was not expected to be victorious. Naturally we view the Battle of Bosworth a significant
threat to Richard III’s reign- and the cause of his demise- so how can we not consider such a
similar plot a significant, if not the most significant, threat to Henry VII’s early reign? This was to
be the only time Henry faced conflict on his own soil and had significant foreign backing. In fact
less than 1000 soldiers that fought at Stoke Field were English with between 4000 and 6000
being provided by the Earl of Kildare, however poorly armed. Although the lack of English men
may suggest a lack of domestic support, with only the Earl of Lincoln being a truly significant
noble to leave Henry’s side, the foreign intervention is what sets this rebellion apart. Margaret of
Burgundy’s financial and military backing as well as the Earl of Kildare introducing Irish support
to the plot as well as crowning Simnel as Edward VI in Dublin. This foreign support further
emulates Henry’s own support from Brittany and France. This rebellion was materialised much
more effectively than the Lovell and Stafford rebellion and, while the latter arguably
demonstrated the strength of Henry’s spy network, this rebellion introduced Henry to foreign
enemies who would continue to attempt to destabilise England for their own benefit.
Furthermore, the use of a figurehead in the Simnel rebellion signified the evolution of the rebels’
conspiracies. One of the main reasons the Lovell and Staffords’ rebellion had not gained
traction, was the lack of support from the leading northern families. This is partly due to a lack of
clarity as to whether Lovell would be crowned or someone else. Despite the falsity of Simnel as
a claimant, at least the later plot had a figurehead. For those who most likely believed Simnel
was in fact the Earl of Warwick, such as the Irish, there was a clear aim to this plot. Although not
many english men were raised, less than 1000 partly due to the speed at which Lincoln moved
around the country and the avoidance of hostile towns such as Pontefract, the recognition of
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