4) English society at the end of the fifteenth century Flashcards
What was the structure of society in the 15th century
The apex of the system under the Monarch comprised of the great landlords and senior church man, the base of the system is comprised of those who labelled on their behalf. Society also witnessed the growth of A professional and merchant group becoming important in London, Norwich and Bristol
The remnants of the feudal system still was apparent in law, social relationships and attitudes. Economic pressure especially since the black death had increased social mobility and created alarm amongst more conservative minded members of the upper-class who attempted to uphold traditional values by passing sumptuary laws proved unenforceable
What were the role of the nobility in the 15th century
Parwich families died out on a regular basis but were replaced by others who had acquired or bought the favour of the king.
The crown relied on these families to maintain order in the countryside
Henry VII was reluctant to create a new page titles because of his deep distrust of the nobility as a class
Only trusted Lancastrian military commanders such as the Earl of Oxford who had more political influence on the Henry
He never really trusted the Earl of Northumberland even though he has won the Battle of Bosworth in Henry’s favour by betraying Richard III but relied on him to control the north-east of England
Henry is the most important method of control and ability was through bonds and recognisances
Nobility power was in the system of the retaining men where wealthy magnates recruit to knights and gentlemen to serve them as administrators or sometimes for military purpose
Noblemen could use their retained men to bring unlawful influence on others in a court or use them against the crown so Henry sought to limit the military powers of the nobility through legislation but remained conscious that crime security was maintained by loyal retainers
What were the limits on retaining that were employed during Henry’s reign
Peers and MPs were required to take an oath against illegal retaining or being illegally retained. However what constituted illegal remained undefined
In 1487 a law against retaining was established
The 1487 law was reinforced by an act passed in 1504 under which licenses for retaining could be sought
What was the importance of the gentry in the 15th century
Immediately below the peerage came the greater gentry
They were great landlords by their own right
Important members of the gentry such as Sir Reginald Bray sort knighthoods to confirm their social stature
holding the status of knight would assist in the administration of the localities
According to John guy peers and knight together owned around 15 to 20% of the countries land and together they formed a homogeneous elite with a common outlook derived from their substantial interest as landowners
What were the importance of churchmen in the 15th century
The church was important in its spiritual but also as a great landowner
The social society of the clergy varied enormously at the lower parish level, chantry priests were modestly rewarded for dealing with the spiritual needs of ordinary folk.
On the other hand the bishops were important figures who were entitled to sit in the House of Lords and have political roles to undertake
Pope Martin V famously declared that the king of England rather than the Pope Govan the Church of England. Henry VII used this powers to appoint bishops from men who had legal training and those administratively competent was valued more than spiritually
Important clergyman of Henry VII reign included John Martin and Richard Fox
What was the importance of the commoners
Middling sort- the rich merchants and craftsmen. In towns and cities, the relatively small number of educated professionals, most influential were lawyers who exercised considerable influence often in collaboration with a wealthy merchants
In the countryside the middling thought comprised of German farmers who formed substantial properties for an increased market economy
What was the Yorkshire rebellion of 1489
Sparked by resentment of the taxation granted by Parliament in 1489 in order to finance the war campaign in Brittany
The murder of Earl of Northumberland
Northumberland was a victim of resentment against taxation. He was murdered by his tenants but what enabled them to murder the earl was the fact that Northumberland retainers allowed them to do so so by deserting him in his hour of need as a punishment for his own desertion of Richard III
What happened in the Cornish rebellion of 1497
Sparked by the demand for extraordinary revenue for military campaigns against Scotland
Greater threat to Henry stability:
15,000 people were involved
The attempt to exploit the rebellion made by Perkin Warbeck
The rebels marched on London only been halted at Blackheath which in the words of Christine Carpenter was alarming for the king
Raised questions about how effective the crown system of maintaining order in the countryside was.
Created a problem for Henry as he needed to withdraw troops from the Scottish border
