King Henry VII.

King Henry VII. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: BHC2762

Description: A portrait of Henry Tudor (1457-1509), who reigned as Henry VII (1485-1509). Henry's seizure of the throne in 1485 brought order to England after 85 years of civil war. His rule saw a strengthening of the monarchy and the introduction of important changes in how the government was organised. He created the Committee of the Privy Council, a forerunner of the modern cabinet, as an executive advisory board and established the Court of the Star Chamber to increase royal involvement in civil and criminal cases. Henry also encouraged trade and commerce by subsidizing ship building and entering into lucrative trade agreements, thereby increasing the wealth of both crown and nation. He also extended the Palace of Placentia at Greenwich as a retreat from the busy city of London.

Creator: Unknown

Date: 16th century