Henry VII (1457-1509) was the first king of England of the House of Tudor. He restored peace after 30 years of civil war and strengthened England’s position among other nations. Henry was a kinsman of the House of Lancaster. He came to the throne in 1485 after his forces killed King Richard III of the House of York in the Battle of Bosworth Field . This battle ensured a Lancastrian victory in the Wars of the Roses, a struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York over possession of the English throne. To gain the support of Yorkists and to strengthen his claim to the throne, Henry married Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV , of the House of York. 
Henry was tough, cold, shrewd, and cautious. He used a variety of methods to keep the nobles under control and to guarantee his security. Unlike previous kings, for example, he often disregarded rank when appointing people to high office. He sought instead such qualities as ability and loyalty. He eliminated pretenders to the throne and survived several revolts and conspiracies. See Warbeck, Perkin .
Henry VII increased England’s influence in Europe by making important alliances. He arranged a marriage between his son Arthur and Catherine of Aragon , daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. After Arthur died, the king secured the young widow, and her dowry, for his younger son, Henry (later King Henry VIII ). He also negotiated a marriage between his daughter Margaret and James IV of Scotland. Henry kept England out of European wars and accumulated a large fortune. He was born on Jan. 28, 1457, in Pembroke, Wales. He died on April 21, 1509.
