Government Flashcards
What happened at Boston Fair (1288)
- tournament took place where squires disguised themselves and stole from stall resulting in a fire -> riots took place
What did Boston Fair suggest
England had a bad government as the fair went rogue and allowed steaming and rioting -> the offenders had no fear that the government would react and issue punishment
Ragman Rolls and its impact
- set of laws that allowed Edward to restore authority and investigate abuses of power by nobles
- sent commissioners to interview local people about concerns
- had a record of land ownership -> could keep control of power balance
- gained trust of the people
Edward’s First Parliament (1275)
- Edward summoned his first parliament to organise the kingdom
- got money from taxes to pay off crusades
- awareness of his first statute was spread
- order restored
The Statute of Westminister (1275)
- dealt with concerns reported in ragman rolls
- more taxes
- less worry about criminals
- felt wanted -> hue and cry
Quo Warranto (1278)
- landholders were asked to prove they had the right to land
- gained land and power
- closer to getting out of debt
- fear king
Statutes of Mortmain (1279)
- tried to prevent land passing to the church without kings permission (church owned 30% of land)
- more money and taxes
- gaining power over church
Statute of Westminister (1285)
- addressed grievances brought to the kings notice
- trusted by his people
- restore order
Statute of Merchants (1285)
- an attempt to deal with the payment of debt between two merchants
- made trade easier and disputes solved quickly
- more money quicker
London Bridge (1274)
- people complained that taxes should go towards the upkeep of London Bridge
- viewed as fair and dedicated to his duty as king
What was parliament
The name given to the group of Edward’s main advisors was the kings council
Development of parliament
- met twice a year
- king should ask for advice for major decisions
- didn’t have to act on advice
- strategic as he could seek approval from as many people as possible
Model Parliament (1295)
- first representative parliament
- Edward began to invite lower levels of the feudal system (house of commons)
- Edward got tax from the Model Parliament but not everything he wanted
When did barons reissue the Magna carta
1297
Why did barons reissue the Magna carta
Because Edward imposed new harsher taxes without consulting Parliament first (to fund his battle in Scotland)
Why does Edward improve Parliament
To increases taxes for war to gain land
Who was Robert Burnell
Edward’s chancellor
Burnell personal qualities
- efficient -> took the lead in writing the Statute of Westminster
- accessible to all -> people would go to him for help
Roles and contributions of Burnell
- driving force behind Ragman Rolls
- took lead in writing the Statute of Westminister
- used for diplomacy -> went to Paris (1286) to sort out issues with French king
-> was also sent to Gascony (1278) to recognise their government
What did Burnell gain from Edward
- extremely rich -> 82 manors in 19 countries
-> loaned the kings money and traded in debts of knights - in 1268 Edward granted him the right to hold a weekly market and 2 annual fairs
- able to build a castle
What does Acton Burnell Castle tell us about England at this time
- more settled as there was less need for strong walls to keep out attackers
- didn’t have weapon rooms/stables -> made for living
- had more open windows
- the turrets were used to show power
How many people attended the first parliament
800
What were the main reasons for inviting so many to the first parliament
- Edward wanted a tax on merchants to help pay off crusades debts
- wanted as many people as possible to be aware of the statute of Westminster
