Chronology: Key Events in Britain 1483–1529

• 1483 Death of Edward IV and usurpation of the throne by Richard of Gloucester. Failed rebellion by the Duke of Buckingham.
• 1484 Deaths of Richard III’s only heir and his wife, Queen Anne.
• 1485 Invasion by Henry Tudor; Richard III defeated and killed at Bosworth. Henry VII recognised as King by Parliament.
• 1486 Marriage between Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Act of Resumption passed.
• 1487 Defeat of the Lambert Simnel rebellion. Law against illegal retaining passed.
• 1489 Treaty of Redon with Brittany. Formation of marriage alliance with Spain at Medina del Campo.
• 1491 First appearance of the Pretender, Perkin Warbeck.
• 1492 Treaty of Etaples agreed with France.
• 1495 Execution of Sir William Stanley, for collusion with Margaret of Burgundy.
• 1496 Trade treaty Magnus Intercursus agreed with Burgundy.
• 1497 Outbreak of the Cornish rebellion, also involving Perkin Warbeck and support from Scotland. Defeat of the rebellion and capture of Warbeck. Truce signed with the Scots at Ayton. First voyage of John Cabot.
• 1499 Execution of Perkin Warbeck and the Earl of Warwick.
• 1502 Truce with Scotland confirmed by treaty. Death of Prince Arthur.
• 1503 Katherine of Aragon remarried to Prince Henry. Death of Queen Elizabeth.
• 1504 New laws passed against livery and maintenance.
• 1506 Trade treaty of Malus Intercursus agreed with Burgundy.
• 1509 Death of Henry VII and peaceful accession of Henry VIII.
• 1510 Execution of Empson and Dudley.
• 1512 Commencement of war against France.
• 1513 Victories for Henry VIII’s armies in France and against the Scots at Flodden.
• 1515 Wolsey firmly established as Henry VIII’s chief minister.
• 1518 Negotiation of the Treaty of London regarded as a triumph for Wolsey.
• 1520 Meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I on the Field of the Cloth of Gold.
• 1522 Renewed war against France.
• 1525 Balance of power in Europe changed by Charles V’s victory at the Battle of Pavia. Amicable Grant introduced by Wolsey.
• 1526 League of Cognac formed.
• 1527 Sack of Rome by Imperial troops, thus undermining Wolsey’s diplomatic position in relation to the King’s ‘great Matter’. Increasing influence of the Duke of Norfolk and others at court, exploiting Wolsey’s absence abroad.
• 1529 Downfall of Wolsey.