Government Flashcards
What was the style of Henry VIII’s early government?
Privy Chamber
Henry VIII established a court system that limited access to him and elevated the staff of the Privy Chamber.
What was the role of the Privy Chamber in Henry VIII’s government?
Brought documents for the king’s signature and influenced the administration of royal grants
Members of the Privy Chamber were positioned to promote or hinder the interests of courtiers.
How many staff members were in the Privy Chamber by 1546?
20
The number increased from the original six as the influence of the Privy Chamber grew.
Who was William Brereton?
Groom of the Privy Chamber who enjoyed 30 royal grants
He earned £1000 per year until his execution in 1536.
What significant change did Henry VIII make regarding his signature?
Allowed his signature to be officially forged
This was done by Anthony Denny, one of the chief gentlemen of the Privy Chamber.
Who were the Grooms of the Stool?
William Compton, Henry Norris, and Anthony Denny
They had significant influence over access to the king and managed the privy purse.
What was the financial situation of Compton in the first year of Henry VIII’s reign?
Received £2328 to spend
This amount increased to £17,517 within four years, indicating the groom’s importance.
What approach did Henry VIII take towards his council?
Kept most of his father’s councillors and allowed them more freedom
The council was encouraged to initiate policy decisions, reflecting Henry’s trust.
What was a key issue faced by Henry VIII shortly after he acceded to the throne?
Whether or not to invade France
This issue highlighted the conflict between Henry’s old councillors and newer courtiers.
How did Henry VIII’s ministers function?
Advised him and controlled the implementation of Crown policy
Ministerial positions were volatile as the king could change his mind at will.
Who was Sir Henry Marney?
A favorite of Henry VIII who accumulated multiple important positions
He became Captain of the Guard, Vice Chamberlain, and Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster.
What was Cardinal Wolsey’s role in Henry VIII’s government?
Dominated domestic affairs until 1529
He was appointed Royal Almoner and held several significant church positions.
What was Wolsey’s educational background?
Won a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford
He was born in 1472 and rose through the church ranks rapidly.
What position did Wolsey hold in 1518?
Papal Legate
This role allowed him to act on behalf of the Pope in England.
Who was the head of the judiciary during the time of Wolsey?
Wolsey
Wolsey served as Lord Chancellor and was responsible for the judiciary.
What were the two main courts Wolsey was directly responsible for?
Chancery and Court of Requests
These courts were part of the King’s Council’s legal work.
What was Wolsey’s goal regarding the accessibility of courts?
To ensure that courts were accessible to the poor
Wolsey aimed to make justice available to all, particularly the common people.
What issue did high legal fees create for common people?
It deterred many from pursuing cases
High costs made it difficult for the poor to challenge the rich and powerful.
What action did Wolsey take if he found a complainant had been unfairly treated?
He transferred the case to one of his own courts
Cases were often moved to Star Chamber or Requests for a fresh hearing.
What principle did Wolsey uphold regarding punishment in the courts?
The guilty would be punished, whether rich or poor
Wolsey was determined to ensure justice was served.
How did Wolsey seek to prevent the rich and powerful from gaining legal advantages?
By ensuring fairness in the chief law courts
He aimed to balance proceedings to be fair to both rich and poor.
What did Wolsey strengthen to hear cases of misconduct by the nobility?
The Star Chamber
Wolsey encouraged the Star Chamber to take on such cases.
What did Wolsey encourage commoners to do regarding their complaints?
Bring their complaints to the Court of Chancery
He increased the capacity of these courts to hear more cases.
True or False: Wolsey was afraid to prosecute members of the nobility for legal breaches.
False
Wolsey was not afraid to take action against the nobility.
Fill in the blank: Wolsey was determined to ensure that justice would be done, punishing the _______.
guilty
This applied to individuals from all social classes.
What position did Wolsey hold when he attempted to improve the financial administration system?
Lord Chancellor
Who believes that Wolsey introduced a more efficient system of taxation?
Historian John Guy
What was the name of the new flexible tax system introduced by Wolsey in 1512?
Iudor subsidy
The Iudor subsidy was based on _______ instead of property.
income
What year did Wolsey order a national survey to assess individuals’ ability to pay taxes?
1522
The national survey ordered by Wolsey was the first attempt of its kind in nearly _______ years.
500
Wolsey demanded forced loans from up to _______ people.
200,000
In what year did Wolsey summon parliament to enable extra funds to be granted?
1523
What was the name of the tax that became a disaster for Wolsey?
Amicable Grant
How much money did Wolsey ask Parliament to grant for an army for Henry’s foreign wars in 1523?
€800,000
By 1525, how much money was actually raised through extra taxes?
£300,000
What rate did the Amicable Grant tax the laity?
1/6 of the value of their goods and property
At what rate did the Amicable Grant tax the clergy?
1/3
How many weeks were given for people to find the money for the Amicable Grant?
10
What were the Eltham Ordinances aimed at reducing?
Costs of the Royal Household
The Eltham Ordinances consisted of a set of instructions that reformed and streamlined the expenditure of the _______ and the Privy Chamber.
Royal Household
Wolsey hoped to rely less on Parliament to raise funds by making financial administration more _______.
efficient and flexible
Wolsey aimed to reduce the powers and influence of those in the King’s _______.
Privy Chamber
Why was control of the nobility essential for Wolsey?
It was essential for efficient and effective government
Wolsey aimed to ensure noble power was used in the service of the King.
How was noble power controlled under Henry VII?
Noble power was strictly controlled
This control was relaxed after Henry VII’s death.
What significant action did Wolsey take in 1516 regarding the Star Chamber?
He strengthened the powers of the Star Chamber
This led to the imprisonment of the Earl of Northumberland for contempt.
What happened to Thomas Lucas when he criticized Wolsey?
He was sent to jail without a trial
Lucas was Henry VIII’s solicitor-general.
Who was investigated by Wolsey in 1520?
The Duke of Buckingham
He was investigated after rumors that he questioned Henry’s position as King.
What was the fate of the Duke of Buckingham?
He was imprisoned in the Tower of London and then executed
His execution served as a warning to other nobles.
What role did Wolsey play in the execution of the Duke of Buckingham?
He played on Henry’s insecurities to convince him that execution was the right thing to do
This indicates Wolsey’s influence over the King.
True or False: Wolsey’s actions towards the nobility were aimed at solidifying his own power.
True
His control over the nobility was essential for maintaining his position.
