To what extent did the

pretenders threaten

authority?

To what extent did the

pretenders threaten

authority?

Aims

• To decide on the factors which identifies a threat to authority.

• To examine the Lambert Simnel rebellion

• To assess to what extent it threatened authority.

• To decide on the factors which identifies a threat to authority.

• To examine the Lambert Simnel rebellion

• To assess to what extent it threatened authority.

What identifies a threat to authority?

Rebels march on London

Army employed to

crush rebellion

Punishment for the

rebels e.g. execution

Support from nobility

Support from abroad

Rebels in control of an

invasion force

Henry VII took the crown of England from the battle field of Bosworth in 1485

Bosworth is traditionally viewed as the final battle of the Wars of the Roses

However, Henry immediately faced threats to his reign. England was awash with rumours of imminent dangers and prophecies predicting the demise of the new king.

Henry clearly felt threatened by this as he issued a number of proclamations banning tale-telling and books of prophecies. Henry also established a personal body guard of 50 archers.

There were reports of a number of threats to Henry’s security but we

will focus on the pretenders.

Pretenders - An individual who impersonates an heir to the throne.

Why were pretenders possible?Why were pretenders possible?

• Usurpation- meant that plots from Yorkists were inevitable.

• However, they needed a replacement to Henry if their plots were to be successful.

• Princes in the Tower mystery

• Usurpation- meant that plots from Yorkists were inevitable.

• However, they needed a replacement to Henry if their plots were to be successful.

• Princes in the Tower mystery

Lambert Simnel 1486-87

Origins• Oxford was traditionally Yorkist.• Winter 1486 Rumours circulated about the fate

of the Earl of Warwick• Oxford priest- Richard Symonds-noticed the

striking resemblance between the Earl of Warwick and a pupil, 10 year old Lambert Simnel the son of an organ maker.

• Decided to pass of a younger boy Richard of York but given the rumours changed his mind.

Origins• Oxford was traditionally Yorkist.• Winter 1486 Rumours circulated about the fate

of the Earl of Warwick• Oxford priest- Richard Symonds-noticed the

striking resemblance between the Earl of Warwick and a pupil, 10 year old Lambert Simnel the son of an organ maker.

• Decided to pass of a younger boy Richard of York but given the rumours changed his mind.

• Took Simnel to Ireland• Irish proclaimed Simnel

as Edward VI• Supported by Margaret

of Burgundy Edward IV’s sister.

• This support prompted the Irish to proclaim him King in Dublin May 1487.

• Took Simnel to Ireland• Irish proclaimed Simnel

as Edward VI• Supported by Margaret

of Burgundy Edward IV’s sister.

• This support prompted the Irish to proclaim him King in Dublin May 1487.

Henry’s Initial ResponseHenry’s Initial Response

• Henry does not seem to be aware of this threat until New Year 1487.

• In Feb 1487 Edward IV’s queen Elizabeth Woodville and her son by a former marriage the Marquess of Dorset were put under house arrest and deprived of their lands.

• The real Earl of Warwick was exhibited in London to expose the impostor.

• Earl of Lincoln!

• Henry does not seem to be aware of this threat until New Year 1487.

• In Feb 1487 Edward IV’s queen Elizabeth Woodville and her son by a former marriage the Marquess of Dorset were put under house arrest and deprived of their lands.

• The real Earl of Warwick was exhibited in London to expose the impostor.

• Earl of Lincoln!

Why did Henry successful crush the rebellion?

Henry’s Actions Simnel’s Actions

Read the information on page 47 and 48 try and identify the strengths and weaknesses in Henry and Simnel’s

actions.

To what extent did Simnel’s rebellion threaten authority?

Rebels march on London

Army employed to

crush rebellion

Punishment for the

rebels e.g. execution

Support from nobility

Support from abroad

Rebels in control of an

invasion force