The document examines the Lambert Simnel rebellion against King Henry VII in 1487 and the extent to which it threatened Henry's authority. It discusses how pretenders were possible due to Henry usurping the throne and the mystery around the Princes in the Tower. Lambert Simnel, a young boy, was passed off as Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick. He gained support from Ireland and Margaret of Burgundy. Henry initially seemed unaware until early 1487. Henry crushed the rebellion by exhibiting the real Earl of Warwick and defeating Simnel's army at the Battle of Stoke. The rebellion threatened Henry's authority through an invasion force with foreign support and nobility backing Simnel.

1. To what extent did the pretenders threaten authority?

3. What identifies a threat to authority? Rebels march on London Army employed to crush rebellion Punishment for the rebels e.g. execution Support from nobility Support from abroad Rebels in control of an invasion force

4. Henry VII took the crown of England from the battle field of Bosworth in 1485 Bosworth is traditionally viewed as the final battle of the Wars of the Roses However, Henry immediately faced threats to his reign. England was awash with rumours of imminent dangers and prophecies predicting the demise of the new king. Henry clearly felt threatened by this as he issued a number of proclamations banning tale-telling and books of prophecies. Henry also established a personal body guard of 50 archers.

5. There were reports of a number of threats to Henry’s security but we will focus on the pretenders.

6. Pretenders - An individual who impersonates an heir to the throne.

12. To what extent did Simnel’s rebellion threaten authority? Rebels march on London Army employed to crush rebellion Punishment for the rebels e.g. execution Support from nobility Support from abroad Rebels in control of an invasion force