Az ünnepségek szerepe VII. Henrik és London kapcsolatában
The role of festivities in the relations between Henry VII and London

Summary/Abstract: The first Tudor king, Henry VII (1485-1509) held London in great esteem not only as the largest, and, in continental terms, the only, city of England, or as the economic and commercial centre of the realm, or because of its proximity to the royal palace in Westminster, but because the city was crucially important politically as well. During the Wars of the Roses London had played a decisive role in the lives of royal pretenders by cordially opening its gates or keeping them closed before them. The political decisions of the leadership of the city, consisting of 24 aldermen elected by the 24 boroughs, were primarily determined by current power relations and/or financial considerations. Since the interests of the municipal leaders, relying on commerce for their living, as well as those of the city, increasingly prosperous as a result of the flourishing textile trade since the end of the fifteenth century, required the keeping of the peace, London was looking forward with great expectations to the rule of Henry Tudor, who had defeated the „usurper” Richard — and his reception reflected these expectations in the summer of 1485. A year later, in 1786, several London boroughs had free wine distributed to celebrate the birth of Prince Arthur; and later, at his baptism, Sir William Fitzwilliams, the town clerk expressed his pleasure in the name of London over the speedy solution of the question of succession and the elimination of the danger of civil war by the early consolidation of the Tudor dynasty. Although later London's relations with the monarch would be changeable as the latter, parallelly with the consolidation of his power, introduced increasingly centralizing measures, nevertheless, the receptions, marches, processions, and festivities, which increased the reputation of the court, London, and the realm, strengthened the relationship between king and the city, served their common interests, and worked against growing economic and political divisions. These ceremonies were, therefore, important elements in the relationship between London and Henry VII. Ceremonies, it is well-known, in addition to conveying messages from those in power, also determine the prestige of the city and/or the realm. It is crucial from both aspects that they should be smoothly performed, without problems, reflecting and reinforcing the existing social hierarchy. At the same time, and apart from enhancing the honour of the city, the municipal leaders used the shared festivities of the „citizens” as safety valves for social tensions, and that was beneficial for the consolidation of the Tudor dynasty as well.

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