Events of 1603 - 1629

Question 1

Bates’ Case

Answer 1

1606

• Merchant John Bates refused to pay imposition on currants - argued Crown had no authority to levy impositions w/out parliamentary approval
• judges declared Crown had absolute Prerog in order to regulate foreign trade

=> Cecil saw this as opportunity to create source of income - extended impositions on a range of imports and brought rates up to date with inflation -> Book of Rates

Question 2

New Book of Rates

Answer 2

1608 (Cecil)
- impositions became worth equal to a parliamentary subsidy

=> threatened parli rights
=> brought rates up to date w inflation

Question 3

The Great Contract

Answer 3

1610 (Cecil)

• major reforms of Crown’s finances
• Cecil wanted subsidies in exchange for x feudal rights
• BUT MPs wanted impositions w parli consent
• Parli unsatisfied, no deal made

=> Crown in significant debt
=> Parli and Crown x negotiate

Question 4

Creation of baronetcies

Answer 4

1611
- new hereditary title
- ‘baronet’ sold to anyone
=> brought in revenue of ~£90,000

Question 5

Secret Madrid Trip

Answer 5

1623

• Charles + Buckingham
• received hostile welcome bc off anti-protestant sentiments

=> anti-spanish policy

Question 6

The Forced Loan

Answer 6

1626 - 7