How Henry VII
Consolidated Power

1. Reign

Henry dated his reign from 21 August 1485, the day before the Battle of Bosworth occurred. This enabled him to charge any of the nobles who fought against him with treason.

2. Rewarded

Henry publicly rewarded many of his key supporters. It set a precedent for, and inspired, future loyalty

3. Appointments

Made key appointments to his Council and household: Sir Reginald Bray-Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Sir William Stanley- Chamberlain of the household Cardinal Thomas Morton- Archbishop of Canterbury

4. Detained

Henry arranged for his supporters to detain Elizabeth of York and the Earl of Warwick. Both of these people could be seen as having a greater claim to the throne than him.

5. Coronation

Henry arranged for his coronation to take place on 30 October,  before the meeting of his first Parliament. This was to demonstrate that his right to rule was based on his own hereditary right, not only because parliament had sanctioned it.

6. Attainders

Acts of Attainder were claimed against the Yorkists who had fought against him and the property of these ‘traitors’ was forfeit to the crown. This increased royal income & gave an incentive to earn their titles back through loyalty.

7. Tonnage and Poundage

Tonnage and poundage were taxes and duties levied on imported and exported goods. Parliament granted Henry this customs revenue for life.

8. Married

Henry fulfilled his vow and married Elizabeth of York of united the two families.

9. Heir

In September 1489, Prince Arthur was born This was a huge step in securing the new Tudor dynasty and consolidating Henry's power.