ABSTRACT
Following previous precedent, Henry’s first actions after Bosworth were directed towards consolidating and legitimising his position as king. His biographer SB Chrimes1 sets out his immediate priorities as coronation, for still coronation demonstrated a king’s legitimacy in the sight of God; the summoning of a parliament, not least because it was necessary to attaint his surviving enemies and to reverse the existing attainders on himself and most of his chief adherents; marriage to Elizabeth of York; the rewarding of those who had followed him and whose services he must continue to enjoy if he were to reign with any degree of security; and the appointment of suitable ministers and administrators so that government in his name could begin. The last was especially important, given that Henry had no governmental, military or diplomatic experience.
