The Reign of Henry VII

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Anna Remington (SCM)

History (2)

The Reign of Henry VII – Perkin Warbeck

‘The lineage of her house of York’ Margaret of Burgundy was guiding and educating Warbeck of his family ancestry, he was to understand the Yorkist rebellions and the perspective in England if he is to be a convincing threat of opposition.

‘Their recent disaster’ Cornish rebellions had been appalling, the revolts of the peasants against the new King had failed.  Warbeck knew of the uprising to strike again and saw this as his perfect opportunity to attack alongside, with such support he could easily have worried Henry.  

Document B shows evidence that Warbeck had little support in Scotland and was loosing it within Ireland, possibly due to the bonds and act of attainder.  Henry had previously had the nobility sign.  He learnt of a forthcoming attack from the Cornish, and so made his way to help them in their battle.  It is not suggested that he was invited or that he even had support, until he was ashore.  Document C suggests that he must have been invited because he had so little men and once in port had the aid of over 8,000 peasants.  It is in Cornwall that he was acclaimed King Richard.  Document D appears to paint a similar picture but yet different perspective to why Warbeck left Scotland.  It states that Warbeck ‘was the cause of the whole war between the Scotch and English’.  With this in mind, and the idea of the problem Warbeck could pose for Scotland, it is possible that he was enforced to look for support elsewhere rather than cause a battle.

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Document A impresses the reader with Warbeck’s strong qualities and his participation on the duping of King Henry VII.  He is both willing and strong-minded and partakes in the education Margaret of Burgundy provides for him on his ancestry and his role within England.  His actions suggest he is comfortable with portraying on opposition to the King, despite his threat being false.  With this in mind, the evidence in Document E is contradictory in its approach.  It should be noted that this source is written by Warbeck himself and might have been writing to depict a used and exploited ...

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