Full name: Henry VII Born: 28th January 1457 Place of Birth: Pembroke Castle, Pembroke Ascended to the throne: 22nd August 1485, aged 28 years Crowned: 30th October 1485, at Westminster Abbey Reign: 23 years Died: 21st April 1509, Richmond Palace, London

As founder of the Tudor dynasty, Henry was born 28th January 1457, to a descendant of Edward III.

He was born during the Wars of the Roses; two branches of the Royal Family, Lancaster's and York's, fighting over claims to the throne.

Henry was in a vulnerable position, he arguably had a claim to the throne. He was sent to live with his uncle, who fled with him to France.

In 1483, Henry had the strongest Lancastrian claim to the throne, and support for him grew.

1n 1485, Henry invaded. The current king, Richard III, was killed during battle, and Henry was crowned Henry VII that day.

He then married Elizabeth of York, to unite the warring houses of York and Lancaster. He also unified these houses through the new symbol of England; the Tudor rose.

Throughout his reign he was plagued by many plots to overthrow his tenuous claim to the throne.

Henry was a smart ruler, and opened up trade with France and the Netherlands.

In 1503, he arranged for his daughter to marry James IV of Scotland to bring peace to the warring countries.

Henry rebuilt royal wealth, and made many reforms to the government and councils throughout his reign.

In 1509, Henry died of Tuberculosis. He left a powerful position for his son, who then became Henry VIII.