Breadth 1 Flashcards
‘It was the role of major nobles in offices of state and church that allowed monarchs to govern effectively 1399-1509.’
P1- agree, more about roles
It could be argued that it was the role of major nobles in offices of state and church that allowed monarchs to govern effectively in 1399-1509 because they helped govern the ream effectively, providing advice to the monarch through roles such as financial supervision, for example the exchequer dealt with matters of royal finance, collecting revenues notably from taxes.
Legislative abilities- the Chanery, wrote up important legal documents.
the chamerlain of the King’s Chamber often had very considerable control over who could see the king and how royal finances were spent.
P1 part 2
For decisions of national importance, such as foreign diplomacy and defence, it was expected that the king would take advice from a group of councillors, mainly drawn from the nobility. councils met to discuss govt policy, administer justice, take measures to maintain order within the realm, assisst the smooth-running of trade, issue warrants, letters and proclamations to advertise and explain their decisions to the wider population.
the great council- callled at shorter notice with less formality so speedier way of dealing with problems or emergencies. discuss important matters of state, such as war or key govt policy decisions.
The Continual Council smaller group of king’s closest advisers dealing with everyday governance of the realm.
P2 limitations due to the church
enormous influence in terms of the control of land and political influence. owned a large amount of land controlled by monastic houses andclergy claimed tax exemptions on their income. ran its own law courts and had significant legal privilege ‘benefit of the clergy’ right to request trial in a church not a seculr court as church courts couldn’t impose death penalty. the Catholic clergy’s first allegiance was not to the king but to the pope in Romr who could exercise considerable political influence by granting or withholding his religious aproval to or from a particular king. e.g. papal approval of Henry Tudor- a legal document from Pope Clement VII publicly stated that in the eyes of the Church, Tudor was rightful King of Eng.
Popr important as his permission required if a king/ noble wanted to marry. papal dispensations for elizabeth of york as both great-great-grandchildren of John of Gaumt/
the loyalty of bishops important as could take a significant role in politics- they had an automatic seat in the Lords in parliament, and often involved in govt offices, most notably as the chancellor, who ran the legal section of govt administration.
Disagree point
No- the power it gave them created over-mighty subjects. e.g. dukes of Somerset and Suffolk 1440s. lots of criticism as small clique dominating a weak king
