📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
How did Henry VII become king?
Correct answer: He defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field
A He inherited the throne
✓ He defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field
C He was elected by Parliament
D He married into the royal family
💡 Explanation
Henry VII became king by defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.
Key facts to remember
- Henry VII first Tudor monarch after Bosworth Field 1485
- Married Elizabeth of York to unite Lancaster and York
- Tudor rose combined red and white roses
- Henry VII restored stability after Wars of the Roses
- Strengthened royal finances and avoided expensive wars
- Tudor dynasty ruled for over a century
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.3.1 Henry VII and the Tudor dynasty:
Henry Tudor became King Henry VII after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. He was the first Tudor monarch. To unite the warring houses of Lancaster and York, he married Elizabeth of York. Their combined symbol — the Tudor rose — merged the red and white roses.
Henry VII was a shrewd and careful king who restored stability to England after the Wars of the Roses. He strengthened royal finances, avoided expensive wars, and established England as a more prosperous and stable country. The Tudor dynasty he founded would rule England for over a century and include some of the most famous monarchs in English history.
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