essay plans Flashcards
Assess the claim that Thomas Cromwell had carried out a ‘revolution’ in Tudor government
by 1540.
Privy council- smaller version of the king’s council, but significant differences contained around 20 permanent members met once a month. certainly existed by 1540 when minutes were first kept
major change in the manner of English government
BUT- Only survived due to accident. more strategically important with minor and women on throne
reduced Cromwell’s power after the Pilgrimage of Grace (1536) and made of Cromwell’s enemies - revolutionary, not Cromwellian
Financial reform- improved tax reforms and brought in lots of money, large private royal cash hoard
Court of Wards and Liveries (1540) and the Court of First Fruits and Tenths (1541)
C’s reforms revolutionised way money was collected, distinguished national treasury from king’s personal purse.
BUT- most of his reforms did not last. The majority of his new courts were merged or absorbed into the Exchequer before the end of the 16th century and only Wards and Liveries lasted beyond 1558
Role of parliament- 1533-6 role of Parliament changed considerably, began to legislate over issues that previously they had had no jurisdiction, for example the succession, religion etc.
statues law was shown to be universally binding
new concept of sovereignty; Parliament, instead of challenging the king’s authority, increased the king’s authority:
mostly drafted and managed by Cromwell
revolutionary and lasting
BUT- not entirely instigated by Cromwell
Assess the claim that Thomas Cromwell had carried out a ‘revolution’ in Tudor government
by 1540 conclusion
no, Cromwell did not carry out a revolution in government
(b) most of what he did instigate, for example in finances, was not long-lasting and cannot be considered revolutionary
(c) the greatest reforms of the Privy Council were not instigated by Cromwell for his personal gains and it was in fact a counter for Cromwell. Only became important due to dynastic accident
(d) however, in Parliament Cromwell did carry out a long-lasting revolution which changed the course of Parliamentary history, but it was only in this one area of government
