1) Henry VIII: Consolidation of Power and Domestic policy

Question 1

What was helpful about Henry coming to power in 1509?

Answer 1

. did not have to fight foe his throne
. no doubt about his blood claim
. the crown had a surplus of money
. did not face over-mighty subjects
. nobility saw him as a saviour from the council learned in law (brought him popularity)

Question 1

What was unhelpful about Henry coming to power in 1509?

Answer 1

. he was the ‘spare’
. he was given no direct responsibilities in his youth

Question 2

How did Henry establish himself as king?

Answer 2

. he married Catherine of Aragon on 11th June 1509 which consolidated his standing in Europe
. he re-established the nobility
. excited Empson and Dudley and abolished the Council Learned in Law
. he wanted to establish himself as a warrior king so sought conquest and glory in France and Scotland (was successful but high financial cost)

Question 3

What were Henry’s 3 early aims as king?

Answer 3

1. to establish his status amongst European monarchs through marriage to Cathrine of Aragon
2. to re-establish the role of the nobility
3. to establish himself as a warrior king through success in battle

Question 4

Why was Henrys marriage to Catherine of Aragon put off for 4 years?

Answer 4

. because Henry VII fell out with her father Ferdinand of Spain

Question 5

What continuities in government were there from his father’s reign?

Answer 5

. Sir Thomas Lovell - reappointed Chancellor of the Exchequer
. Bishop Fox - reappointed Lord Privy Seal
. Archbishop Warham - reappointed Lord Chancellor
. continued JP’s to enforce law

Question 6

What changes in government were there from his father’s reign?

Answer 6

. April 1509 - arrest of Empson and Dudley
. abolished Council Learned in Law
. cancelled 175 bonds and recognisances
. executed Yorkist Edmond de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk
. Privy Council became more important (consisted of around 20 men

Question 7

PARLIAMENT
What did Henry do?

Answer 7

. attended 19 out of 27 parliamentary sessions and some of 6 more
. he felt his presence was vital to proceedings
. used it to demand/raise subsidies for war

Question 8

PARLIAMENT
What evidence is there of strength/success?

Answer 8

. Henrys presence in Parliament means he had control over what was discussed
. he was able to raise money needed
. 1512 Parliament passed an Act limiting the benefit of the Clergy as they believed Church Courts were too lenient - this shows support for Henry;s government

Question 9

PARLIAMENT
What evidence is there for weakness/failure?

Answer 9

. 1513 Parliament only able to collect £50,000 out of £160,000 granted
. Wolsey 1525 ‘Amicable Grant’ provoked widespread spontaneous uprisings forcing Henry to retreat from France
. Wolsey forced to kneel before Parliament and beg for the Kings forgiveness (he was a symbolic leader of the clergy) as judges found the Clergy were intruding on the Kings rights

Question 10

PRIVY CHAMBER
What did Henry VII do?

Answer 10

. his signature was needed to sign documents

Question 11

PRIVY CHAMBER
What evidence is there for success/strength?

Answer 11

. limited the numbers of people who had access to the king (6 at the beginning) which provides security
. Henrys signature was needed for documents creating security
. Henry was more involved with the Privy Chamber providing him with a position of strength

Question 12

PRIVY CHAMBER
What evidence is there for failure/weakness?

Answer 12

. privy chamber was social so membership grew to 20 by 1546 which decreased security
. made members a lot of money and power e.g. William Brenton had 30 royal grants brining him £1000 a year
. Henry arranged for his signature to be officially forged by Anthony Denny which decreased security
. men of the Privy Chamber were ambassadors on the kings behalf making them enormously experienced in foreign relations

Question 13

PRIVY COUNCIL
What did Henry VIII do?

Answer 13

. he allowed his Privy Council more freedom than his father did with policy, however it was within the limits of Henrys trust and confidence

Question 14

PRIVY COUNCIL
What evidence is there of success/strength?

Answer 14

. kept most of his fathers councillors and old methods with individuals taking responsibility for specific areas of government, makes it more efficient as they already have experience
. Richard Fox (Bishop of Winchester and Lord Privy Seal) to cooperate with the King on behalf of the council

Question 15

PRIVY COUNCIL
What evidence is there for failure/weakness?

Answer 15

. council leadership couldn’t last due to Henrys dislike of opposition (weather or not to invade France)
. Henrys old council opposed the newer generation of courtiers who sought influence with the King (e.g. Wolsey)
. Henry was more involved with the Privy Chamber so didn’t have large control over the Privy Council

Question 16

MINISTERS
What did Henry do?

Answer 16

. Henrys ministers advised him and controlled implementation of Crown Policy
. Henry might intervene or change his mind at will
. he kept many ministers who served his father, but promoted men who were willing to serve him at his pleasure

Question 17

MINISTERS
What evidence is there of success/strength?

Answer 17

. kept men who served his father which makes it more efficient as they have experience

Question 18

MINISTERS
What evidence is there of failure/weakness?

Answer 18

. promoted men willing to serve at his pleasure rather than skill which limits effectiveness
. Sir Henry Marney was appointed Captain of the Guard, Vice Chamberlain and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which made him one of the richest office holders under the crown making him incredibly powerful