Henry VII's Early Life and Path to the Throne
This page delves into Henry VII's background and the events that led to his eventual kingship. Understanding this timeline is crucial for grasping the context of his rise to power.
Henry Tudor, later known as Henry VII, was born on January 28, 1457. His early life was marked by political turmoil and exile. In 1461, when Henry was just a child, the Lancastrian King Henry VI lost the crown to the Yorkist Edward IV, forcing young Henry into exile.
Highlight: Henry spent much of his youth in exile, shaping his character and political acumen.
The timeline of key events in Henry's pre-kingship years includes:
1461: Crown lost to York by Henry VI
1471: Henry exiled to France and Brittany at age 14
April 1483: Edward IV died, and Edward V briefly became king
August 1483: Richard III (Edward V's uncle) took the throne, prompting a rebellion by a group of lords supporting Henry
1484: Richard III attempted to capture Henry in Brittany, but Henry escaped disguised as a servant
Example: Henry's escape from Brittany in 1484, disguised as a servant, demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination to survive.
These experiences during his years in exile and as a claimant to the throne prepared Henry for the challenges he would face as king. His time abroad gave him a unique perspective on European politics and helped him forge alliances that would prove crucial in his bid for the crown.
Definition: Exile refers to the state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.
Henry's return to England in 1485 culminated in the Battle of Bosworth, where he defeated Richard III and claimed the throne. This victory marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of Tudor rule in England.
