Cut the consort: the Queenless coronation of Henry VII

After his ultimate and unlikely victory at Bosworth in August 1485, many expected Henry VII to quickly marry the Princess Elizabeth of York. This would have restored the "true" Royal line to the throne and it was Henry's promise to marry Elizabeth that had caused many of his men to support him. But, much to the likely horror of the nobility, Henry announced that he was to be crowned alone. The coronation ceremony was hastily rewritten to remove the role of Queen Consort and much of the political class were likely left wondering if Henry was ever going to come true on his promise.

In this episode we explore the practical, ceremonial and political ramifications of Henry’s decisions and speculate about the motivations and factors that shaped his strategy.