Morton’s Fork

A clever ruse by King Henry VII’s Chancellor to raise revenue

Cardinal John Morton, by an unknown artist. Public domain artwork

King Henry VII acquired the throne of England by defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. He was well aware that his claim to the throne was not strong, and that challenges to his position were entirely possible. He therefore needed the backing of a strong army, and financial independence so that he would not have…