English Society Flashcards
What structure did English society follow?
A feudal system
How did upper classes try to maintain traditional values?
Sumptuary laws (dress depending on social status)
How many men were in the nobility (peerage)?
50 or 60 men
What did the Crown rely on the nobility for?
Maintenance or order in the countryside
Who were 2 military commanders who had a lot of political influence under Henry?
Earl of Oxford and Lord Daubeney
How did Henry control the nobility?
Bonds and recognisances
What was the key to the nobility’s power?
Bastard feudalism by which wealthy members of the nobility recruited knights and gentlemen to serve as administrators
How did Henry limit the military power of the nobility?
Legislation against bastard feudalism
What were the 3 limits on bastard feudalism introduced during Henry’s reign?
- In 1486, MPs and the nobility were required to take an oath against the illegal use of bastard feudalism
- 1487, a law against bastard feudalism was introduced
- Parliament Act of 1504 reinforced 1487 law, a license for bastard feudalism could be sought
How many knights were there in 1490?
500
What would the gentry assist in doing?
Administration of the localities
What percentage of the country’s land, according to John Guy did peers and knights own?
15% to 20%
Which churchmen dealt with spiritual needs of ordinary folk?
Priests
Which churchmen held political roles and were entitled to sit in the House of Lords?
Bishops and abbots of larger religious houses
Who were the 2 most important clergymen of his reign?
John Morton and Richard Fox (Bishop of Exeter and Lord Keeper of the Great Seal)