John Ford’s Perkin Warbeck: A Retelling

The reign of King Henry VII of England was troubled by Pretenders to the throne; these Pretenders included Perkin Warbeck.

John Ford's play begins in 1495 and ends with Perkin Warbeck's execution in 1499.

People who read this retelling will find John Ford's play much easier to read and understand.

KING HENRY VII: 1485-1509

When King Richard III fell at the Battle of Bosworth, Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, became King Henry VII. A Lancastrian, he married Elizabeth of York - young Elizabeth of York in Richard III - and united the two warring houses, York and Lancaster, thus ending the Wars of the Roses. One of his grandfathers was Sir Owen Tudor, who married Catherine of Valoise, widow of King Henry V. The reign of King Henry VII was troubled by Pretenders to the throne; these Pretenders included Lambert Simnell and Perkin Warbeck.