Breadth 1: Changes in governance at the centre - The role of the monarchy, nobility and gentry in Tudor England Flashcards
What was Tudor society based on?
A heirachy, God was at the top, the monarch was below God but could rule as they wished because they were chosen by God
What were monarchs like in the Tudor period?
They had no standing army or police force so were reliant on the nobility and gentry to keep law and order - a wise monarch controlled them but also listened to them
What were relationships like between the monarch and the nobility before Henry VII came to the throne and during his reign?
Some nobles joined or led rebellions against the monarch. Henry Tudor had been a member of the nobility himself who was able to defeat the king.
How did noble challenges change throughout the Tudor period?
They continued in the early years of Henry VII’s reign but became less frequent under Henry VIII and his children
Who were the nobility?
Groups of men who heled the highest titles below the king such as duke, earl or viscount. There were 40-60 men with these titles under the Tudors.
How did the population of England grow throughout the Tudor period?
Grew from just over 2 million in the 1500s to over 4 million by 1600.
How did the nobles see themselves?
As the natural friends, advisers and military leaders of the monarch as they relied on the monarch to protect their lands and property while the monarch also relied on them.
How many gentry families were there below the nobility?
5000 gentry families made up of knights and esquires. In 1490, 375 men held the title of knight and they were called Sir. This rose to 600 by 1558. Declined to 550 by 1603.
What role did the gentry have in the Tudor period?
They were increasingly involved in local government but were landowners as well but had less extensive states than the nobility.
How was it possible to gain or lose status/rank in Tudor society?
Could rise through the ranks through service to the king, marriage or inheritance. Possible to lose rank through political miscalculation or economic hardship.
Who were yeomen?
Yeomen were prosperous farmers who tended to own their land. There were estimated to be 60,000 of these by 1600. Tended to be financially secure due to land ownership.
Who were artisans?
Skilled craftsmen who often lived in towns or larger villages. They became propserous in the wool or cloth industry which was the main English export.
What roles did yeomen and artisans have in rebellions in the earlier Tudor period?
In 1549, they provided leadership and shaped the demands of popular rebellion due to being better educated and being natural leaders of their communities.
How did the role of yeomen and artisans in rebellions change in the later Tudor period?
They became less involved in rebellion as they became more involved in local government.
Who were the peasants?
The majority of England’s population who lived and worked in rural communities and worked on the land for the local landlord for wages. They didn’t own land but relied on it.
