Embedded Files
On 23 November 1499, the man known as Perkin Warbeck, was executed.
While there has been a great deal of discussion regarding whether Perkin Warbeck was, in fact, a true claimant to the throne, this is the 'story' as it has been traditionally told.
From 1487, we find Perkin Warbeck travelling around Europe claiming to be Richard - the youngest of the two 'Princes in the Tower' - the son of Edward IV, and the brother of Elizabeth of York, Queen of England. Margaret of Burgundy, Richard III's sister, accepts Warbeck as her nephew and offers financial support and manpower.
In 1491, he travels to Ireland where he receives Yorkist support, particularly from the area of Cork. In this year, Henry also ceases trade with Antwerp in retaliation for Margaret of Burgudy's support .
In 1492, Warbeck travels to France where he is supported by King Charles VIII and the many who also travel to the court to support him. For this year and the next, Henry tries desperately to negotiate with European countries to restrict this assistance. However, in 1493, Maximilian, Holy Roman Emperor, recognises Warbeck as King Richard IV.
In 1495, Warbeck tries to invade England and an area of Ireland, but is unsuccessful on both accounts. He then makes his way to Scotland, where James IV supports him financially via a pension, and agrees to invade England on his behalf; which he does in 1496. However, James had anticipated support from the northern counties and when it was found lacking, he retreated.
Henry raises taxes to protect the border, leading to the Cornish Revolt, (see 1497) and as an offer of peace, suggests a marriage alliance between James IV and Henry's daughter, Margaret - which James accepts. The proffering of this olive branch is on the condition that James withdraws his support for Warbeck.
Warbeck is given a boat and sent on his way. He heads to Cornwall, attempting to build on the unrest already existing there, but is ultimately beaten back.
He is eventually caught in 1497, but rather than simply executing him or locking him up, ‘Second-chance Henry’ allows him to stay at the English court. Margaret of Burgundy even issues a letter of apology for offering her support.
In 1499, Warbeck tries to escape the court, but is inevitably captured and placed in the Tower of London. While incarcerated, he begins writing to fellow prisoner, the Earl of Warwick, nephew of Edward IV and Richard III, who has been imprisoned since the Battle of Bosworth when he was only ten years old. He and Warbeck begin a correspondence which discusses ways and means of taking the throne from Henry VII. At this point, Henry runs out of second chances and has both men executed.
Perkin Warbeck, whether pretender or true heir to the throne, was hung at Tyburn as a traitor.
Google Sites
Report abuse