15 Interesting Facts About Henry VII

Introduction:

Henry VII was a powerful and significant British monarch who ruled England and Wales from 1485 to 1509. During his reign, Henry VII reversed wars, helped the economy by increasing his wealth, brought about civil reforms and cultivated England’s relationships with foreign nations. He is remembered by history and popular culture as a fair and just ruler, from his ascent to the throne to his death. Here are 15 interesting facts about the influential British Monarch, Henry VII.

Fact 1: Henry VII Was A Reluctant Monarch

Henry VII, born in Pembroke Castle in 1457, was the son of Edmund Tudor and Lady Margaret Beaufort. Although born into a noble family, Henry viewed the throne as a burden instead of a desirable position to have. When Henry was young, his family—including his mother—had been exiled and humiliated by the ruling monarchs. Therefore, when Henry took up the throne, he was determined not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors, leading him to become a successful and shrewd ruler.

Fact 2: Henry’s Reign Brought An End To The War Of The Roses

The War of the Roses was an ongoing conflict between two noble families—the House of York and the House of Lancaster—for the English Crown. In 1485, Henry VII won the Battle of Bosworth Field, firmly planting him on the throne and ending the centuries-long conflict. His victory ended nearly three decades of civil war and finally brought peace to England.

Fact 3: Henry Established The Preferred Royal House

Following his victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field, Henry merged the House of York and the House of Lancaster and created a new royal house—the House of Tudor. He also established the Court of Star Chamber, which allowed the king to be the final judge in court trials without consulting his peers, and it is seen as the origin of the modern judicial system.

Fact 4: Henry Treated His Subjects Fairly

Henry VII focused extensively on establishing laws and principles that helped him to remain just and fair in his ruling of the people. He ended right of purveyance, which was the right of the king to seize goods for any price he deemed fit from his subjects. Henry set taxes at a reasonable amount. He also introduced a single currency—the pound sterling—and established the Court of Requests to provide justice for the poor within his kingdom.

Fact 5: Henry Developed England’s Foreign Relations

During his reign, Henry VII strengthened England’s ties with other countries, creating political stability. He transformed the English navy into a formidable fleet and even defeated Scotland’s James the IV at the Battle of Flodden Field. This victory significantly increased England’s status on the international stage. It also increased the country’s overall wealth through increased European trade.

Fact 6: Henry VII Was A Secretive Man

Henry VII was a careful and intuitive man with a penchant for secrecy—so much so, that he didn’t allow his own family access to his writings and finances. He had his own private collection of religious books, which he intended to be kept from the public. In fact, it was only after his death that these books were discovered.

Fact 7: Henry Controlled His Wealth

Henry VII was a shrewd administrator and business man. He was able to increase his wealth during his reign by controlling expenditures and introducing new taxes. By doing this, he was able to build a powerful navy, increase England’s trade, and further increase the country’s wealth.

Fact 8: Henry’s Legacy Lives On

Henry VII’s legacy has left its mark on history and popular culture. His daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, is remembered as one of England’s most influential monarchs, and his grandson, King Henry VIII, was an equally important ruler. The concept of a unified kingdom was first developed during Henry VII’s reign, which has now become a part of England’s culture and identity.

Fact 9: Henry VII Had A Difficult Childhood

Henry VII experienced tragedy early in life. His father died when he was only 7 years old, and his mother could not care for him. As a result, Henry was raised by his stepfather, Jasper Tudor, and spent much of his youth in exile in France. It was during this formative time that he grew to be a reserved and careful man who was determined to remain true to his beliefs.

Fact 10: Henry Was A Religious Monarch

Henry VII was a deeply religious man who, after beginning his reign, restored churches and monasteries throughout England. He donated to religious organizations and even worked with Rome to create a new religious position, that of the Bishop of Westminster, in 1494.

Fact 11: The Tudor Rose Is A Symbol Of Henry VII’s Lasting Influence

The traditional symbol of the royal house, the Tudor Rose, was created by Henry VII in 1486 when he combined the White Rose of York with the Red Rose of Lancaster to show the unification of the two houses. The flower is now a symbol of English monarchy, and is seen frequently in popular culture.

Fact 12: Henry VII Was A Devoted Father

Despite his outwardly serious and often stern demeanor, Henry VII was a loving and devoted father to his children. He arranged advantageous marital alliances for his daughters, and appointed his son, King Henry VIII, to head his council while he was still alive. He also provided him with an education in statesmanship and military tactics to ensure that Henry VIII was prepared to take up the throne after him.

Fact 13: Henry Had A Throat Infection That Could Not Be Cured

In 1509, Henry VII fell ill with a throat infection that could not be cured. He died at the age of 52, and it is believed that this throat infection was caused by the dyes that were used to color the fabrics he wore.

Fact 14: Henry Redesigned The Royal Standard

Prior to his reign, the Royal Standard—the banner that was used to represent the English monarch—consisted of the traditional cross of St. George and a white lion. Henry VII, however, redesigned it to include a red dragon and a white greyhound. These creatures were seen as mythical creatures in Britain that were a representation of the power, courage, and endurance of Henry’s rule.

Fact 15: Henry Had An Extensive Collection Of Books

Henry VII was highly educated and had a vast collection of books. He kept his library—which contained books on religion, philosophy, law, and literary works—secret in his private chambers. It is believed that most of these books were written by foreign authors and were not available to the public.

Conclusion

Henry VII is still remembered by British history as a powerful king who was committed to justice, fairness, and success. Despite early struggles, he united the two noble houses that were vying for the throne and brought an end to decades of bloodshed. He also increased his wealth by controlling expenses and introducing new taxes. While his legacy has left its mark on British culture, Henry VII still stands as a formidable ruler who brought peace and prosperity to England during his reign.