1.1.9

Henry VII & Regional Issues

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Regional Divisions under Henry VII

Henry VII's authority was fragile and this was seen in England's regional divisions. Henry VII made a big effort to stabilise the north (where Yorkists still existed).

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Councils to govern regions

  • Henry VII established councils to maintain order over regions.
  • These included the Council of the North, the Council of Wales and the Council of Ireland.
  • As well as this, England owned a small part of France, called Calais.
  • Council representatives were often unwelcome in different regions.
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Regional tensions

  • The King's authority did not extend across all of England.
  • Henry VII's power was limited in some areas of Wales and the Palatines of Durham and Chester.
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Regional identities

  • Henry VII wanted to strengthen cultural ties across England.
  • But this was met with resistance because there were still strong regional identities.
  • For example, Cornwall, Yorkshire, Wales, Ireland and Calais all had distinct cultures.

Social Discontent and Rebellions under Henry VII

Henry VII faced several rebellions and threats to the throne. Although Henry VII survived these attacks, they show how fragile the Tudor dynasty was.

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The Yorkshire Rebellion 1489

  • Henry VII raised taxes in northern England for a conflict to protect the south coast.
  • Rebellion broke out in April 1489 leading to the murder of the King’s tax collector, the Earl of Northumberland. His murder was a direct attack on royal authority in an area with Yorkist sympathies.
  • The rebels were defeated by forces led by the Earl of Surrey.
  • Henry pardoned most rebels.
  • Henry did not raise another tax in the north of England.
Illustrative background for The Cornish Rebellion 1497Illustrative background for The Cornish Rebellion 1497 ?? "content

The Cornish Rebellion 1497

  • Henry VII raised taxes in Cornwall to pay to defend England’s northern border against Scotland and Perkin Warbeck.
  • Cornwall was a very poor region and rebellion erupted. This was the most serious rebellion of Henry’s reign. An army of rebels reached Blackheath, near London where there was a battle in June.
  • Hundreds of the rebels were killed and the leaders executed.
  • Perkin Warbeck tried to use Cornish discontent later in the year by landing in Cornwall and stirring up rebels in his cause.

Jump to other topics

1Consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty 1485-1547

2England: Turmoil & Triumph 1547-1603

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