Henry had to keep his claim from being usurped from many in House York. Henry was successful in securing his throne due to him being a very astute man. He knew there were those who would question his legitimacy in terms of the throne, so that he did all he could to cover his tracks. His marriage to Elizabeth of York was political and united both houses. Henry dated his reign to before the battle of Bosworth, so Richard and all his supporters were classed as traitors. Anyone guilty of treason could have their property taken from them and the king claimed the land. Nobles professed their loyalty to the King. Henry had his coronation before the first sitting of Parliament after Bosworth. He could publicly declared that he did not need parliament to declare him king as he was king before parliament met. Henry had to make sure that those in the York family remained loyal. He sent Richard’s nephew, the earl of Warwick to the tower, where he professed his loyalty to Henry. Other senior members of the york family had to pay to ensure their good behaviour.