ABSTRACT
The first, and most urgent, task confronting Henry Tudor, Duke of Richmond, after his triumphant entry into London for his coronation in 1485, was to restore some semblance of political stability to a kingdom ravaged by nearly half a century of civil strife occasioned by the remorseless rivalry between Lancastrian and Yorkist claimants to the English throne. In the meantime, Henry had hastened to present himself to his subjects by embarking upon a provincial Progress during the summer of 1486 which took him to York, returning to London by way of Worcester and Bristol. The Court itself then took on the task of impressing it even more firmly upon all continental and nearer neighbours by following up the wedding with equally theatrical celebrations throughout the next two weeks consisting of jousts and tournaments by day and banquets, prize-givings, music, dancing, plays and Disguisings at night.
