On 22 August 1485, the course of English history shifted decisively when Henry Tudor defeated King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field. This pivotal military engagement marked the culmination of the Wars of the Roses, a protracted period of dynastic instability that had fractured the nation for decades. By securing victory on the battlefield, Henry effectively ended the Plantagenet line and brought the long-standing conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York to a close.

Following his triumph, Henry was crowned King Henry VII, an event that heralded the birth of the Tudor dynasty. His accession represented a fragile new beginning for the monarchy, as he sought to consolidate his authority and restore order to a kingdom weary of civil strife. His reign was defined by a concerted effort to stabilise the crown, centralise administrative power, and secure the legitimacy of his new royal house.

The early years of his rule were focused on reconciling the warring factions and establishing a firm foundation for his successors. By marrying Elizabeth of York, the daughter of Edward IV, Henry skilfully united the rival houses, further legitimising his claim to the throne and fostering a sense of national unity. This strategic union, combined with his rigorous approach to governance and fiscal policy, allowed the Tudor monarchs to exert unprecedented control over the realm.

• The Battle of Bosworth Field marked the end of the Wars of the Roses.
• Henry Tudor became the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty.
• The victory brought a decisive conclusion to the Plantagenet era.
• The marriage to Elizabeth of York helped to unite the houses of Lancaster and York.
• Henry VII prioritised the stabilisation of the monarchy following years of dynastic conflict.