Perkin Warbeck
pretender to the English throne
Years: 1474 - 1499
Perkin Warbeck (c. 1474 – November 23, 1499) is a pretender to the English throne.
By claiming to be Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, Warbeck is a significant threat to the newly established Tudor dynasty, and gains support outside England.
Henry VII declares Warbeck an impostor, and after his capture, Warbeck writes a confession in which he says he was a Fleming born in Tournai around 1474.
Due to uncertainty as to whether Richard of Shrewsbury had died in the Tower of London or had survived, Warbeck's claim gathers some followers, whether due to real belief in his identity or because of desire to overthrow Henry and reclaim the throne.
Dealing with Warbeck costs Henry VII over £13,000, putting a strain on Henry's weak state finances.
