On 15th September 1485 writs were issued for the first parliament of Henry VII‘s reign. The parliament was to be held at Westminster, opening in November. For Henry Tudor this was one of several important steps in asserting his authority and right to be king. Alongside his coronation and marriage Elizabeth of York, this parliament would help to ensure his position as monarch. 

Henry Tudor had defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth on 22nd August 1485. News of his victory had reached London quickly, and the city council had met and agreed to meet Henry as King, which they did in a formal state entry to the city on 3rd September.

Henry VII issued writs for his first Parliament

Henry now needed to establish himself as King. To do this, he needed the nobility, Parliament and the commons to accept his rule. The commons in London were wholly unfamiliar with their new monarch, before his state entry he had visited London just once, as a teenager. They would get several opportunities to see the new King in ceremonies in the coming months.

Parliament and the nobility were the immediate priority, their acceptance would ensure that governance could be effective. So, on 15th September 1485, just weeks after his victory, Henry issued writs summoning members of Parliament to meet on 7th November at Westminster.

This was part of a very hectic schedule for Henry. His coronation was scheduled for 30th October, deliberately before Parliament met so that he was not beholden to them. He was putting things into place in a calculated order to enhance his position.