How did Henry VII become king? The ascent to the English throne of Henry VII, the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, was a tumultuous and complex journey that spanned several years and involved a series of political and military conflicts. Born on September 28, 1457, Henry Tudor was not destined to become king from birth; rather, his path to the throne was fraught with challenges and triumphs.
The first major event in Henry’s life that set him on the path to becoming king was the death of his uncle, King Henry VI, in 1471. This event, coupled with the rise of Edward IV to the throne, left Henry vulnerable and in need of a new ally. He sought refuge in France, where he spent several years gaining support and forming alliances. In 1485, he returned to England with a small army, aiming to claim the throne for himself.
The turning point in Henry’s quest for the crown came at the Battle of Bosworth Field. On August 22, 1485, Henry faced off against Richard III, the last Plantagenet king, in a fierce battle that would determine the future of England. Despite being outnumbered, Henry’s forces were victorious, and Richard III was killed in the conflict. This victory allowed Henry to claim the throne, and he was crowned king on June 24, 1485.
Henry’s reign was marked by efforts to consolidate his power and establish the Tudor dynasty. He faced numerous challenges, including claims to the throne by rival claimants and the need to maintain stability in a kingdom that had been torn apart by the Wars of the Roses. To secure his position, Henry married Elizabeth of York, the daughter of Edward IV, which helped to unite the rival houses of Lancaster and York.
In conclusion, Henry VII’s journey to the throne was a testament to his determination, strategic thinking, and resilience. By overcoming numerous obstacles and securing a decisive victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field, he laid the foundation for the Tudor dynasty’s long and influential reign in England.
