Henry VII and the Tower of London: the context of the ‘confession’ of Sir James Tyrell in 1502

Abstract

The recent development of studies of the itineraries of English monarchs has enhanced understanding of a range of aspects of their kingship, as well as of the road and river transport network. In the case of Henry VII, study of the king’s movements allows for a better understanding of his preferences between his residences in and near his capital, and the reasons for these choices. It also sheds light on a particularly controversial episode, the alleged confession by Sir James Tyrell in the Tower of London in 1502 of responsibility for the murders of the ‘princes in the Tower’.