ABSTRACT
Henry vii is credited with establishing strong and centralist government but, whilst the first Tudor monarch's considerable abilities need not be in doubt, this trend was one that can be traced back to the reign of his father-in-law, Edward iv. Henry was the titular heir to Lancaster, there being no other claimants, and he could also claim to represent the rump of Yorkist interest, disenfranchised by Richard iii. He had submitted, readily enough, to Henry Tudor in 1485 and appeared to have had no interest in the pretensions of Lambert Simnel until after February 1487. From Lancashire the invaders initially made for York, capital of the north, marching over the bare, upland sweep of the Pennines, but the city fathers were less than enthusiastic. The vanquished Earl was probably the better commander; Henry's organisation and scouting throughout the campaign had left much to be desired.
