biography
| name: |
Henry VII (of England)
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1457–1509)
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| biography:
| King of England (1485–1509), born at Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire, SW Wales, UK. Henry's claim to the English throne was traced back tenuously through his father, Edmund Tudor, the younger son of Catherine of France and of her clerk to the wardrobe, the Welshman Owen Tudor. Through his mother, Margaret Beaufort, Henry claimed descent from Edward III's son, John of Gaunt, and Katherine Swynford. Known as Duke of Richmond before his accession, he was the founder of the Tudor dynasty. After the Lancastrian defeat at Tewkesbury (1471), Henry was taken to Brittany, where several Yorkist attempts on his life and liberty were frustrated. In 1485 he landed unopposed at Milford Haven, and defeated Richard III at Bosworth. As king, his policy was to restore peace and prosperity to the country, and this was helped by his marriage of reconciliation with Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV. He was also noted for the efficiency of his financial and administrative policies. He firmly dealt with Yorkist plots, such as that led by Perkin Warbeck. Peace was concluded with France, and the marriage of his heir, Prince Arthur, to Catherine of Aragón cemented an alliance with Spain. He was succeeded by his son, Henry VIII. |
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