Government under Somerset Flashcards
What sort of power was Somerset granted?
Quasi-royal power by Letters Patent in March 1547.
What did Somerset use frequently throughout his reign?
Proclamation more than every other ruler - 70 in less than three years.
Created laws without using parliament and accused of ruling autocratically.
What is an example of Somerset ruling autocratically?
Actively pursued garrison of Scotland despite economic cost.
What is an example of Somerset ruling autocratically?
Actively pursued garrison of Scotland despite economic cost.
What did Somerset obtain?
Custody of the dry stamp - had been left under four councillors.
What did Somerset try to argue?
The King’s signature was not valid without his countersignature.
What did Somerset use his own household servants for?
Used them as government officials ie. Sir Thomas Smith, William Cecil and William Grey.
What was his governing style accused of being at his downfall?
‘Malice and evil government’
How did Somerset use the Privy Council?
Effectively bypassed it - used household servants named ‘new council’.
What did both houses of parliament have to confirm?
Proposals for taxation and new laws however up to the monarch how frequently it was called.
How much did the military expenditure in Scotland cost?
£580,393 between 1547 and 1549
What policy was continued at full speed?
Debasement of the coinage - raising £537,000 but increased inflation and social distress.
Did Somerset attempt any financial reform?
No
What did Somerset continue the sale of?
Crown and ex-monastic land and continued the dissolution of the Chantries.
Who did Somerset refuse to listen to?
Sir Thomas Smith - Prompted re-minting the coinage to improve economy.
Who was John Hales and what did he advocate instead?
MP for Coventry - stated enclosure and greedy landlords were main cause of inflations.
Regional Commissions set up to investigate enclosure.
What did Somerset levy regarding enclosure?
A tax of penny per sheep - unpopular policies with landowners and little to reduce inflation.
Why did the government want to clamp down on the poor?
They led to heightened fear of disorder.
What Act was introduced in 1547?
‘The Vagrancy Act’ - involved ‘savage attack on vagrants looking for work’.
Able-bodied persons who had been out of work for three days to be branded with a V and sold into slavery for two years.
Further offences punished by permanent slavery.
Were the Vagrancy Act provisions ever put in place?
They were never put into effect - only to alleviate concerns of the landed classes.
Who was Somerset influenced by in his activity against enclosure?
The Commonwealth group of Churchmen and intellectuals - especially anti-enclosure when it regarded decline of tillage (land for arable crops).
What taxes did Somerset pass?
March 1549 - 5% tax on personal property and special tax on sheep.
