Control from the centre - government Flashcards
What was the aim of Privy Reform?
It was Thomas Cromwell’s attempt to modernise King’s Council
What do many Historians believe the reason behind the Privy Reform is?
Historians such as John Guy argue that it was merely a response to the threat posed by the Pilgrimage of Grace, 1536.
What was the Privy Chamber used for?
To collect and store income.
What was Privy Chamber also referred to as?
Political hub’
What role did Henry VII create to restrict access to the Monarch?
Yeoman of the Guard, which acted as a personal body guard.
What was the role of the Groom of the Stool?
The Groom of the stool was incharge of the Royal toilet. Duties involved checking the King or Queen’s poop to ensure they were in good health.
Who took up the role of the Groom of the stool?
Under Henry VIII, this role was taken up by his closest friends normally part of the nobility or gentry as it was a role that required great intimacy.
What formal roles did the Groom of the Stool have?
They were the closest advisors to the monarchy, so they usually were part of the government as well. They were also sent on diplomatic missions to France.
What is a dry stamp?
An embossed stamp was made of the King’s signature. This could be stamped onto documents, the signature could then be inked in
What was the political importance of the dry stamp?
Possession of the dry stamp gave an individual significant political power. This was evident when a faction led by Edmund Seymour (Earl of Hertford) and John Dudley (Viscount Lisle) gained access to the stamp and were able to alter the King’s will in 1547 to gain more power.
How did the role of the groom of the stool change under Mary and Elizabeth?
Due to the levels of intimacy, the role was occupied by women. Although they were not the closest advisors, they were the wives to members of the Household.
Did the role of the Groom of the stool still have political influence under Mary and and Elizabeth?
Yes but less influence. Evident from Charles V writing to ambassodor Simon Renard arguing that these ladies were taking advantage of their roles to gain patronage and favours.
How did Mary keep greater control over the privy chamber?
She kept the dry stamp under lock and key.
How did Elizabeth’s privy chamber change?
Politics was carried out through more formal channels, reduction in informal channels
What was the role of the Royal Council?
A formal body that existed to advise the monarch.
What were other roles adopted by the Royal Council?
The Council could act as a judicial court where high profile cases to do predominately with the nobility could be dealt with, in the case that normal courts couldnt solve it
Between the period of 1485 - 1909, how many men attended Henry VII’s council meeting?
200
What type of people did Henry VII’s council consist of?
Members of the nobility, churchman, royal officials and lawyers
What was Henry VII cautious about?
Included men who served under his Yorkist predecessors, Edward IV (22 men) and Richard III (22 men) to help establish and secure his throne.
What was ‘The Great Council’?
These were special gatherings of all members of the nobility and his councillors used in the case of discussing important matters such as war and taxation.
How many ‘Great Councils’ were held between 1487 and 1502?
5
Which people did Heny VIII’s council consist of?
Archbishop of Canterbury, William Warham, and the Bishop of Winchester, Richard Fox
Who was Fox and Warham replaced by?
Thomas Wosley because he was able to give young Henry VIII what he wanted which was war.
How did the Privy Council’s role change after the fall of Thomas Cromwell?
It became more advisory, and acted as a ‘Chief Minister’
What did the change in role to ‘Chief Minister’ mean?
Meant that all members of the newly formed council were collectively responsible. For example, the Duke of Norfolk insisted that anyone wishing to conduct business with the Council should write to them as a group, not to an individual.
How did membership of the Council change since 1540?
Its membership was considerably reduced and was fixed to include the most trusted advisors of the Monarch.
What was membership figures of the Council under Henry VII?
227
What was membership figures of the Council under Wolsey?
120
What was membership figures of the Council in 1603?
13
Why was there an increase in membership under Edward VI?
As Edward was still a child, a larger council was required in order to govern the country while the King was too young to do so himself
When did the role of the Secretary first become important?
1530 when Thomas Cromwell was dominant
What did the role of the secretary mean?
Holding this position meant close personal access to the Monarch, as well as control of the Monarch’s personal seal, which made royal documents offical.
When did Thomas become secretary and what did he do?
He became secretary in 1534 and he used his position to control council meetings and his access to the King’s private correspondence meant that he had a detailed knowledge of Henry’s day to day business
Post fall of Thomas Cromwell, when did the role of Secretary gain political importance again?
Under Elizabeth when she appointed her most trust advisor William Cecil to the role
Why was the role of Secretary dangerous under Elizabeth?
William Davidson had the responsibilty to keep the death warrant which has been issued for Mary, Queen of Scots. Elizabeth reluctantly signed it, however asked for the warrant not to be sent. The Council wanted the warrant to be sent which led to the execution of Mary and led to furious Elizabeth removing Davidson who was tried, imprisoned and forced to pay a fine of 10,000 marks.
What problems did the role of Lord Lieutenant attempt to solve?
Corruption in local communties, prevent the mustering of armies against the king, ensure the roles taken by the nobles in terms of court cases were filled by better suited people
Who were appointed as Lieutenants to deal with crises?
Members of the nobility
What were Northumberland Lieutenants expected to do?
They were expected to establish a policing and military role at a more local level.
How many Lieutenancies was the country divided up into under Mary?
10
Why did the role of Lord Lieutenant become an important one under Elizabeth I?
Due to the threat posed by Spain
Why was the creation of Lord Lieutenants important?
It harnessed the most powerful men in the country, the nobility, in the service of the crown
Who could act as Lord Lieutenants?
Members of the Council lead to greater loyalty to the Monarch
What were Lord Lieutenants able to do?
Gather information about local conditions to advise the Monarch
