| History is an important and interesting part of who we | | | | The historian, Chris Freville, states that the reign of King |
| were and are today. It is said that it is vital to know | | | | Henry VII saw a consolidation of the hold England hand |
| history to learn from past mistakes, as it ensures us a | | | | over Ireland. It all started with his tenure of King and the |
| better future. While it may sound like nothing more than | | | | next three sovereigns all continued to increase their |
| a sweet poem, it is important to understand the power | | | | power over Ireland until it was completely conquered. |
| of history in the evolution of civilization and diplomacy. | | | | Control, power, and the running of Ireland was given to |
| In this article, we will discuss King Henry the VII and the | | | | the Fitzgerald of Kildare; a powerful Hiberno-Norman |
| conquest of Ireland by the tutor house. Much of this | | | | family. |
| information was gathered from the notes of historian | | | | As you might guess, Ireland’s provincial leaders |
| Chris Freville. | | | | were not satisfied. They staged a rebellion in |
| King Henry the VII was born in Greenwich Palace on | | | | collaboration with York’s supporters. This was |
| June 28, 1457. He was the sixth child of Elizabeth of | | | | done under the leadership of Silken Thomas. However, |
| York and King Henry the VI. Not much is known about | | | | King Henry VII crushed this rebellion. At this point, he |
| his childhood; his older brother Arthur was originally | | | | was also determined to ensure that no one would rise |
| expected to take the throne. What is known is that | | | | against him again. This strategy required Gaelic Lords |
| Arthur married Catherine of Aragon in November of | | | | to surrender their land to the King. According to the |
| 1501. Although only 10-years-old at the time of the | | | | notes of historian Chris Freville and other historical |
| wedding, he later went on to marry Catherine in an | | | | documents, they would pay rent, swear their alliance |
| attempt to continue the marital alliance with Spain. King | | | | and loyalty to the king, and anglicize themselves in |
| Henry VII had four children: Edward VI, Elizabeth I, | | | | attire, and speech to get their land back and a seat in |
| Henry Fitzroy, and Mary I. | | | | Ireland Parliament. |