Henry ii (power in england by 1170) Flashcards
What does centralisation mean?
The concentration of power to one person
What was the national survey conducted by Henry II in 1166 called?
Cartae Baronum
For each portion of land a baron owned, what did they owe the king?
Another knight
What is the system of tax called that involved barons owing knights to the king?
Servitium debitum
Who did the knights become loyal to as a result of servitium debitum?
The king
What benefit did the system of servitium debitum provide to Henry II?
Strong organisation and record-keeping on land ownership
What was one outcome of the increased knowledge of land ownership in 1168?
Increase in the number of scutage payers
This also ensured Henry II could identify which barons still retained illegal land holdings from 1135
What were barons fined for?
Not complying with the payment of servitium debitum
What was introduced in 1170 to ensure tax collection and root out corruption?
The Inquest of the Sheriffs
How many sheriffs were dismissed as a result of the Inquest of the Sheriffs?
20 sheriffs
How many of the remaining sheriffs were from Henry’s household?
4 out of the 6 remaining sheriffs were from Henry’s household
What change occurred regarding sheriff’s posts after 1170?
They were held by professional clerks
With the new trust for Sheriff’s, what were they given?
With this trust, sheriffs were given more power
After 1170, sheriffs could pursue a felon across a baron’s private land
What did the inquest of the sheriffs result in and why?
This increased scrutiny over barons, as they were unable to keep matters private from the law
What was the royal revenue at the end of 1166?
£13,300 per annum
What was the royal revenue at the start of Henry II’s reign?
£10,300 per annum
How did Henry II reform his financial treatment of the Jewish community?
He taxed them heavily and hired them for usury
What is usury?
Lending money with interest
By 1168, what percentage of the crown’s income came from the Jewish community?
1/7
Who was the richest man in the country during Henry II’s reign?
Aaron of Lincoln
What was Aaron of Lincoln’s net worth at the time of his death?
£100,000 which was seized by Henry II upon his death
What are assizes?
Meetings between the king and his barons that issued binding decrees
What significant assize did Henry II hold in 1166?
The Assize of Clarendon
What did the Assize of Clarendon introduce?
Juries of presentment
