Everything Flashcards
2.1 Government of Wales under Henry VII and Henry VIII - Marcher regions
Marcher regions (areas which bordered Wales and Scotland - Hardest to control)
- Own laws and customs.
- First line of defence against foreign invasion.
- Own legal system which depended on local marcher lords power and control.
- Blood feuds and lawlessness.
- Threat of noble power.
2.1 Attempts to control Wales before the 1530’s (Henry VII and VIII)
Used the council of Wales and the marches, which was based at Ludlow castle and was run by the most trusted Tudor nobility.
1490
Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford (Henry VII’s uncle) became head of the council.
1501
15 year old Prince Arthur sent to create a permanent royal presence but died in 1502.
1525
Henry VIII sent (daughter) Princess Mary as a figure head of the Council of Wales but returned to London in 1528.
2.1 The Law in Wales Act 1535 (Act of Union)
The Law in Wales act was a response to the lawlessness and the limitations of the royal authority. Cromwell introduces permanent changes by changing the structure of the Welsh Government.
- Marcher lordships abolished and replaced with 12 English-style counties.
- English system of local government - Sheriffs, coroners and Jp’s.
- Banned use of Welsh Courts.
- Welsh counties and towns allocated 2 MPs who would sit in English Parliament,
- End to traditional military power of marcher lords.
2.2 The government of the North 1485-1537 (Henry VII and Henry VIII)
Controlling the North was challenging for Tudor monarchs:
1. Geographically remote with poor communications.
2. Under threat of invasion from Scotland.
3. Henry VII’s position of usurper - rivals could place themselves over the border in Scotland.
4. Support from Richard III in places like Yorkshire.
5. Economic hardship
It was not until the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 that royal intervention in the north became permanent and direct.
2.2 The re-establishment of the Council of the North, 1537
In October 1536, the rebellion broke out in Lincolnshire and spread northwards. Cromwell decided to remodel the council in 1537 in order to strengthen powers and prevent further unrest.
1, Given powers to hear and decide on cases of treason, murder and felony.
2. Voice of government in London - enforcing royal proclamations made to sheriffs and JPs.
3. Oversaw food supplies, regulated trade and organised local musters for military campaigns.
4. Extended to govern not only Yorkshire, but also Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmoreland.
5. Permanent headquarters in York.
2.2 Further changes made by Elizabeth I to the re-establishment of the Council of the North
- Attempted to insert more Southerners which caused resentment and led to the rebellion in 1569.
- Combatting recusancy - North was Catholic and may rebel against her Supremacy.
2.3 Sending localities to central government
The boroughs were able to send 2 MPs to parliament. The House of Commons grew from 296 members to 462 members.
Edward VI created 34 new MPs.
Mary created 25 new MPs.
Elizabeth created 62 new MPs.
2.3 Reasons for the borough’s representation to increase
- Pressure from towns.
- Financially sensible for gentry to be MPs.
- Use of patronage by the Crown and Nobility.
- Extending the Monarchs power.
2.4 Increasing literacy in the yeomen class
- Growth of humanism in the Renaissance period led to formation of grammar schools for boys.
- Open to the poor and rich.
- Those below gentry rank benefited especially from free education.
2.4 Impact of increasing literacy for yeomen
- Enabled yeomen to take on roles such as administration of the poor law.
- After the Northern Earls Revolt, there were no more serious disputes.
Economic crisis in the 1590s brought no mass uprisings.
2.5 How did the role of JP work in the localities
Opportunities arose to influence local affairs, which was monitored closely by the monarchy who inserted members of the Court to enhance the central control in the localities.
Role of JP’s:
- Deciding on cases of felony and trespass.
- Arrest potential suspects
- Supervised fixing of prices and wages.
- Administer poor law and control vagrants.
2.5 Role of JP’s under Henry VII
Increased the powers of JPs:
- 1495 Act of Parliament allowed JPs to act on information received about suspects without waiting for the Jury to be summoned.
- Given power to replace jurors who they thought to be corrupt.
- Power to inquire into illegal retaining by the nobility and examine complaints of corruption.