Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 5 Henry VII: seizing the…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 5 Henry VII: seizing the throne and trying to keep it, 1485–97: Challengers and their supporters: Lambert Simnel and the Earl of Lincoln; Perkin Warbeck and Sir William Stanley; the importance of Margaret of Burgundy.
Henry VII faced significant challengers supported by foreign powers.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Henry VII faced significant challengers supported by foreign powers. Lambert Simnel, claiming to be Edward, Earl of Warwick, was backed by the Earl of Lincoln and Margaret of Burgundy, who provided troops. The 1487 Battle of Stoke ended this threat. Perkin Warbeck, claiming to be Richard, Duke of York, gained support from Margaret of Burgundy, James IV of Scotland, and Sir William Stanley, a trusted Yorkist who had switched sides. Warbeck's capture in 1497 and subsequent execution in 1499 weakened Yorkist hopes. The importance of Margaret of Burgundy's financial and diplomatic backing was crucial in sustaining these challenges, demonstrating the fragility of Henry's security.
What earns the marks
- Explains who Lambert Simnel was and why the Earl of Lincoln supported him, including Lincoln's Yorkist claim and his role in the 1487 rebellion.
- Describes the importance of Margaret of Burgundy in supporting Simnel and Warbeck, including her provision of troops, money, and diplomatic recognition.
- Analyses the challenge posed by Perkin Warbeck, including his claim to be Richard, Duke of York, and the support he received from foreign rulers.
- Explains the significance of Sir William Stanley's support for Warbeck, given Stanley's position as Henry's step-uncle and a key figure in the Tudor regime.
- Evaluates the extent to which these challengers and their supporters threatened Henry VII's throne.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, or mixing up their claimed identities.
Put it right: Simnel claimed to be Edward, Earl of Warwick; Warbeck claimed to be Richard, Duke of York.
Stating that the Earl of Lincoln was a Lancastrian supporter.
Put it right: Lincoln was a Yorkist and a nephew of Edward IV, who rebelled against Henry VII.
Underestimating Margaret of Burgundy's role, treating her as a minor figure.
Put it right: She was a persistent and powerful sponsor of Yorkist pretenders, providing money, troops, and international legitimacy.
Exam tips
- When discussing challengers, always link them to their supporters (like Lincoln and Stanley) and explain how that support made them a threat.
- Assess the relative importance of Margaret of Burgundy compared to other supporters, and explain how her actions prolonged the Yorkist threat.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 5 Henry VII: seizing the throne and trying to keep it, 1485–97: Challengers and their supporters: Lambert Simnel and the Earl of Lincoln; Perkin Warbeck and Sir William Stanley; the importance of Margaret of Burgundy. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Who did the pretender Lambert Simnel claim to be during his rebellion against Henry VII in 1487?
Listen
Henry VII faced significant challengers supported by foreign powers. Lambert Simnel, claiming to be Edward, Earl of Warwick, was backed by the Earl of Lincoln and Margaret of Burgundy, who provided troops. The 1487 Battle of Stoke ended this threat. Perkin Warbeck, claiming to be Richard, Duke of York, gained support from Margaret of Burgundy, James IV of Scotland, and Sir William Stanley, a trusted Yorkist who had switched sides. Warbeck's capture in 1497 and subsequent execution in 1499 weakened Yorkist hopes. The importance of Margaret of Burgundy's financial and diplomatic backing was crucial in sustaining these challenges, demonstrating the fragility of Henry's security. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains who Lambert Simnel was and why the Earl of Lincoln supported him, including Lincoln's Yorkist claim and his role in the 1487 rebellion. Describes the importance of Margaret of Burgundy in supporting Simnel and Warbeck, including her provision of troops, money, and diplomatic recognition. Analyses the challenge posed by Perkin Warbeck, including his claim to be Richard, Duke of York, and the support he received from foreign rulers. Explains the significance of Sir William Stanley's support for Warbeck, given Stanley's position as Henry's step-uncle and a key figure in the Tudor regime. A common slip: confusing Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, or mixing up their claimed identities. Instead, Simnel claimed to be Edward, Earl of Warwick; Warbeck claimed to be Richard, Duke of York. Exam tip: When discussing challengers, always link them to their supporters (like Lincoln and Stanley) and explain how that support made them a threat.
See it
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Battle of Stoke ended the threat from Lambert Simnel
- 2. Perkin Warbeck was executed
- 3. Perkin Warbeck was captured
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Dynastic challenge
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Foreign intervention
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Loyalty and betrayal
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Margaret of Burgundy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Dynastic challenge
- A threat to the throne from claimants such as Lambert Simnel, claiming to be Edward, Earl of Warwick, and Perkin Warbeck, claiming to be Richard, Duke of York.
- Foreign intervention
- Backing for challengers from foreign powers, including Margaret of Burgundy providing troops and James IV of Scotland supporting Perkin Warbeck.
- Loyalty and betrayal
- Support given to challengers by figures such as the Earl of Lincoln and Sir William Stanley, a trusted Yorkist who had switched sides.
- Margaret of Burgundy
- A persistent and powerful sponsor of Yorkist pretenders, providing money, troops and international legitimacy to Simnel and Warbeck.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 5 Henry VII: seizing the throne and trying to keep it, 1485–97: Challengers and their supporters: Lambert Simnel and the Earl of Lincoln; Perkin Warbeck and Sir William Stanley; the importance of Margaret of Burgundy.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge