Henry and factional manipulation in the 1540s

Question 1

What are 4 possible views on Henry and factionalism during the 1540s?

Answer 1

1. Henry wanted to show both factions that he decided policy
2. Henry wanted to show royal servants that their survival depended on him
3. Henry enjoyed being devious and involved in court intrigue
4. Henry was a tyrant who was willing to subject those closest to him to unnecessary ordeals

Question 2

What evidence is there to support the view that Henry wanted to show both factions that he decided policy?

Answer 2

Against conservative faction:

• Beheaded Howard for adultery once Cranmer broke the news
• Allowed Norfolk to withdraw from court - recognised had been a loyal servant
• Gave Cranmer own trial
• Pardoned Catherine Parr

Misc:

• Choice of realistic Catherine Parr as wife

Question 3

Evidence against the view that Henry wanted to show both factions he decided policy?

Answer 3

Quite brutal treatment - better description = tyrant/ devious. show dependant on him

Question 4

What evidence is there that Henry wanted to show royal servants that their survival depended on him/ was a tyrant/ enjoyed court intrigue?

Answer 4

• 1543 Cranmer
  
  • Some argue that Henry could have prevented Cranmer’s case from developing and thus Cranmer could have avoided fear from arrest - enjoyed embarrassing ministers, showing they were completely dependant on him
• 1546 Parr
  
  • Henry gave accusors permission to confront Parr about heresy (Lutheran sympahthiser)
  • Terrifying for her despite being allowed to see her husband shortly after so told about charges
  • Did not tell accusors that he had pardoned Catherine (promise to believe and follow him) - greeted with abuse for treason the following day when came to arrest Parr - in control but also creating court intrigue as a tyrant

Question 5

What evidence is there that the reformist faction triumphed by 1546?

Answer 5

Fall from power of several influential conservatives

• Gardiner fell from power on a trumped-up charge - refusal to grant some of his land to the king (NOT his involvement in Parr plot) - minor charge suggests reformist involvement
• Norfolk’s son, Earl of Surrey, arrested and executed after saying he had a good claim to the throne (through Edward I) and putting part of royal coat of arms on family emblem
• Norfolk also arrested and meant for execution (but Henry died)

Reformist powers:

• With fall of above regency council dominated by reformists
• Appointment of Sir Anthony Denny as in charge of King’s Privvy Chamber and Sir William Paget as Henry’s Private Secretary ensured triumph of reform faction (see below)
• Dry stamp (Denny) meant on will reformists could grant themselves privileges and Seymour became Lord Protector Somerset