On the 24th of May, 1487, the ten-year-old Lambert Simnel was crowned in Christ Church Cathdral, Dublin. The late 15th century in England was a tumultuous era, characterised by dynastic conflicts and political machinations. The Wars of the Roses concluded with Henry Tudor’s ascension as King Henry VII following his triumphant victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. Nevertheless, his reign was beset by numerous challenges. Among these was the peculiar case of Lambert Simnel, a young pretender whose claim to the throne unsettled the early years of Henry VII’s rule.
Lambert Simnel’s precise origins remain somewhat enigmatic, but it is widely believed that he was born around 1477 to a tradesman in Oxford. His life took a dramatic turn when he was taken under the tutelage of Richard Simon, an Oxford priest and educator, who recognised Simnel’s striking appearance and bearing. Simon devised a plan to deceive the public by passing Simnel off as Edward Plantagenet, the legitimate Yorkist heir to the throne.
At the time, the actual Edward, Earl of Warwick, was incarcerated in the Tower of London. However, rumours of his purported escape and presence on the continent created an ideal environment for Simon’s deception. With Simon’s guidance, the young Simnel diligently played his part.
Simon’s ambitions heavily relied on the support of Yorkist sympathisers, many of whom remained disgruntled after Richard III’s defeat. This plan caught the attention of John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln, a former Yorkist loyalist with his own claim to the throne. Lincoln saw an opportunity to dethrone Henry VII and embraced Simnel’s cause, traveling to Ireland, a Yorkist stronghold, where Simnel was proclaimed King Edward VI.
In May 1487, with substantial Irish support and an army funded by Margaret of Burgundy, Lincoln and his forces landed in England. They were met by Henry VII’s troops at the Battle of Stoke Field in June 1487, where the rebellion was swiftly and decisively crushed. Lincoln was killed in the battle, and the pretender’s army was defeated.
After the defeat of the rebel forces, Lambert Simnel’s fate rested with Henry VII. Instead of executing the young pretender, Henry chose a more merciful course. He recognised that Simnel was merely a puppet manipulated by ambitious nobles. Consequently, Simnel was pardoned and employed in the royal kitchens, eventually rising to the position of falconer in the king’s household.
This act of clemency showcased Henry VII’s astuteness. By sparing Simnel, he averted the creation of a martyr and demonstrated a strength that earned him respect among some of his former adversaries.
The Lambert Simnel affair holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the precarious nature of Henry VII’s early reign. Despite his victory at Bosworth, the new Tudor dynasty faced numerous challenges, including threats from Yorkist claimants and their supporters.
Secondly, the episode emphasises the profound influence of legitimacy and perception in monarchical rule. The relatively easy acceptance of Simnel as a royal by certain factions highlights the significance of lineage and appearance in claims to the throne.
Lastly, Simnel’s story serves as a precursor to other pretenders who challenged Henry VII, most notably Perkin Warbeck. These episodes collectively illustrate the persistent instability of late 15th-century England and the delicate nature of power during that era.
In popular culture and historical discussions, Lambert Simnel continues to captivate the imagination, embodying a unique blend of ambition and deception. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate and often perilous landscape of medieval politics, where the distinction between royalty and deception could be thin and easily manipulated.
Therefore, the tale of Lambert Simnel, from a humble tradesman’s son to a crowned pretender, offers a unique window into the political machinations and social dynamics of 15th-century England—a captivating narrative of audacity, ambition, and the enduring pursuit of power.