barretthunter:
I agree about Shakespeare's propaganda, but "usurper" is a bit strong. Henry VII was the Lancastrian claimant and the rival Yorkists, of whom Richard III was the last, owed their position to Richard's brother overthrowing the undisputed "rightful" king, Henry VI.
I so enjoy crossing historical swords with BH - it adds to the spice of life!
Henry VII's claim to the throne was very shaky indeed, which is probably one reason why he killed off all the claimants who might conceivably threaten him - both young and old, male and female. As his name suggests, he was the son of a Welsh nobleman, and his grandmother was briefly married to Henry V. His mother was of the House of Lancaster from the line of John of Gaunt. Henry VII's rebellion was supported mainly by French troops, and Richard could well have won Bosworth had it not been for the change of sides by the professional side-changer William Stanley, (he changed sides once too often under Henry VII and lost his treacherous life as a result).
Having said that, Henry was undoubtedly the man for the job, and can take credit for bringing an end to the Wars of the Roses, which had so devastated the country.
Page 3 of 4: «« 1 2 4 »»