Henrry VIII Consolidation Of Power

Question 1

Explain the legacy of Henry VII

Answer 1

• money, believed to have left £300,000 for his son in plate and jewels (vanished as payed for aggressive foreign policy)
• unpopular mechanisms for extracting money
• peaceful foreign policy
• conciliar form of government, decisions made through the council (disappeared as Wolsey became dominant figure)
• some members of the council were able to depose of others and establish themselves
• Richard fox, aided by sir Thomas Lovell and Richard Weston, arrested Empson and Dudley. Henry was responsible for their execution in 1510.
• council learned in law abolished 1510

Question 2

Henry VIII’s character?

Answer 2

• he became king 2 months before his 18th birthday, April 1509.
• he seemed to be a bright boy, a good musician, learnt jousting and archery
• lived in Richmond court with his father, his education reflected the belief that a monarch should follow the code of chivalry and perform valiant deeds.
• he had no experience of government or public affairs. His accession was welcomed after the sinister atmosphere associated with the influence of empson and Dudley at the end of his fathers reign

Question 3

How did Henry differ from his father?

Answer 3

• his version of kingship differed remarkably from his father. He had a profound dislike for government and found the writing and reading of state papers tedious and painful
• he could intervene in government business and contradict decisions or actions already taken
• he lacked the work ethic of his father, instead preferring to pass the time in good company (clear through the pageants, sports, hunting and tournaments following his succession)

Question 4

Aims of Henrys government b