Chapter 3: The finances of the Crown and attempts at reform

Question 1

Ante-supper

Answer 1

One of the most notorious examples of court extravagance. Two huge feasts were set up with the first being thrown away and in total it cost £3300

Question 2

Thirty Years War (1618-48)

Answer 2

One of the most destructive conflicts in human history, it resulted in eight million fatalities not only from military engagements but also from violence, famine, and plague. It was caused by religious tension between roman Catholics and protestant Germany.

Question 3

Cecil’s Great Contract of 1610

Answer 3

It showed that at the beginning of the 1610 parliament was in debt of £280,000 and expenditure of £511,000.

Question 4

The forced loan of 1626

Answer 4

Charles called a forced loan in 1626 due to the war against Spain and France and only 70% (£267,000) was collected as many didn’t want to pay it.

Question 5

Subsidy Act

Answer 5

Released with the Statute of Monopolies from the 1624 parliament, it granted a subsidy of £300,000 to the crown for warfare , and it was agreed by James that it could only be used for foreign policy and would be supervised by parliamentary officials.

Question 6

Statute of Monopolies

Answer 6

Limited the Crown’s right to grant monopolies to individuals.

Question 7

Book of Rates

Answer 7

It was a parliamentary book which listed the official valuations of those items on which customs duties should be paid.

Question 8

Wardship

Answer 8

The monarch had a feudal right over minors or those under 21 years of age. This meant that the monarch could take any minor’s inherited lands into the Crown’s own care.