Henry VIII's Rebellions: Early Challenges to Tudor Rule
The early years of Henry VII's reign were marked by several rebellions that threatened the stability of the newly established Tudor dynasty. These uprisings were primarily led by Yorkist sympathizers who sought to challenge Henry's claim to the throne.
Highlight: The Viscount Lovel Rebellion of 1486 was one of the first challenges to Henry VII's rule, though it was quickly suppressed due to lack of popular support.
The Lambert Simnel Rebellion of 1486-1487 was a more serious threat. Simnel, impersonating the Earl of Warwick, gained support in Ireland and from Yorkist sympathizers abroad. Henry VII responded by:
- Parading the real Earl of Warwick in London
- Confining Elizabeth Woodville to a nunnery
- Forcing many Yorkists into exile
The rebellion culminated in a battle where Henry's forces defeated Simnel's army.
Example: Lambert Simnel, after his capture, was spared execution and instead placed as a turnspit in the royal kitchens, demonstrating Henry VII's strategic approach to dealing with pretenders.
The Yorkshire Rebellion of 1489 erupted in response to taxes imposed to defend Brittany. This rebellion highlighted the tension between royal financial needs and local grievances.
Vocabulary: Attainder - A legal process by which a person's civil rights, property, and titles were forfeited upon conviction of a serious crime.