Britain In 1603: the tudor legacy Flashcards
how did James becoming King of England affect the people of the British Isles in 1603?
- united all regions as a single united kingdom’s
- there remained significant political, religious, and cultural differences within the British isle
what did james inherit?
- Wales - had been conquered by england before 1500s; incorporated into english kingdom by THREE ACTS OF UNION during Henry 8
- Three acts of union had introduced english law and the system of county government based on the Justices of peace
- english kings were “lords of Ireland”
- head of the church in Ireland
why was is difficult to maintain the inheritance claims?
- protestant reformation had divided Europe
- serious danger of catholic reprisal due to henry’s rejection of the popes authority and seized control of the church (1534)
- necessary assertion of english control in ireland due to catholic population
- gradual increase of influence in dublin
- successful rebellions provoked by arrogant english administrations provided excuse of extra military control
- 1590s major rebellion by Hugo O’Neill (Earl of Tyrone) defeated by Elizabeth’s generals
what difficulties did james face in reconciling his different kingdoms?
-hoping for reconciliation between scotland and england there was a marriage alliance between Henry 8’s daughter Margret and James 4th of scot in 1592
- however scotland joined with france
- protestant reformer scotland (due to John Knox) (1560) benefitted english support
-accession of James in 1603. brought an end to hostilities but left doubt
- deep cultural differences between the two countries despite the desire of the monarch to unite them
- english feared invasion of scot’s
- scots feared loss of independence
what were the main features of the english system of government?
- recognisable of the first of the tudor kings (gov by monarch with help of a council drawn from nobility and church)(parliament of two houses of nobilty)
- parliaments we’re taking permanent part of government
- legal system rested on common law; mixture of custom and precedent backed by statute law (by the King-in-parliament)
- central courts of the exchequer, kings bench and common pleas were based in london
- king was source of all power and authority; needed to maintain support of majority of the nobility and clergy in order to govern effectively
- skilful manipulation of patronage was essential for security of the monarch and peace of the kingdom
what was patronage?
a system of influence in which a patron hbu ally rich or powerful uses their position to help individuals in an inferior position in return for their respect or support
what part did the greater nobility play in making government effective?
- tutors rule brought a number of significant changes by 1603 (aimed at extending royal authority and ensuring acceptance
- restrictions on retaining (practice common of medieval nobility of keeping workers who had military training)
- creation of prerogative councils for wales and the north
- aimed at reducing power of nobility in regions
- some nobility had a lot of power and money, land, and military resources
- to increase royal power and control tudors looked to advance talented humble beginnings
- ## introduction of new blood with dependency on the crown helped dilute local loyalties and enhance control; encouraged emergence of an inner circle of influence
What was king-in-parliament
Government by the king
- implied that some functions like making of the law was left to parliament rather than the king alone
- through parliament the king could issue a statue (highest form of law)
- a statue had to be signed by both houses and the king which overthrew any past precedent and could only be overthrew by another statue
