Central authority and the regions Flashcards
What part of England was the biggest problem for the King?
Throughout the Wars of the Roses, one major region that was a constant problem for the ruling monarch was the north of England.
The might and power of the ruling magnates in the region had an enormous impact on the central authority of the king and his government.
What was the problem with over-mighty subjects?
‘over-mighty subjects’ were in control of the region, including the Percys Earls of Northumberland, the Neville family, and finally the most powerful - Richard, Duke of Gloucester and his Council of the North.
The power of the northern magnates was hard to manage and often caused trouble for the king
but he needed powerful individuals in charge in order to maintain and protect the border with Scotland.
Why was the North Palace problematic for Henry?
Yet by 1499 the North was far less problematic for Henry VIl than it had been for other monarchs, because of the authority of the Earl of Surrey in the region.
The Earl had demonstrated great ability in rallying the northern region to H7 support, so much so that they did not rise in revolt when Perkin Warbeck and James IV of Scotland invaded in 1496.
What was something Henry did in the North which was significant to maintaining his authority?
Significantly, Henry VII chose not to create a northern council until 1501.
Henry enforced his own personal authority on the north.
This was a major change of policy and removed one of the primary causes of political instability.
