Henry VII and government Flashcards
What did parliament comprise of and what did it do?
Parliament comprised of the house of commons and the house of lords.
It was not central to government at this time.
It passes laws and granted taxation to the crown. Only the king could call parliament, Henry called a total of 7 throughout his reign.
Parliament passes numerous acts of attainder, granted tonnage and poundage and granted extraordinary revenue. Henry’s final parliament in 1504 managed to limit the demand for extraordinary revenue, and made sure the king would not seek more revenue by this means.
Parliament is said to have operated efficiently, and the king respected it’s decisions.
What was the role of the court and household?
Tudors relied heavily on the royal court. It was the center of government. It was through the court that rewards and status were distributed.
The household proper was responsible for looking after people.
The politically important part of the system was the chamber, presided over by the Lord Chamberlin. The lord Chamberlin and other senior household officials were influential courtiers.
Who was Sir William Stanley?
Henry VII’s step-uncle was rewarded with the post of lord Chamberlin following the battle of Bosworth. He was accused of treason after being involved in a plot with Perkin Warbeck.
What was the great council?
The great council was a gathering of the house of lords, meeting without the house of commons. It was an occasional body and only met 5 times throughout Henry’s reign. Dealt with issues relating to war or rebellion and was a means of binding the nobility to key decisions relating to national security.
Describe the councils
The council under Henry VII advised him, administered to the realm on his behalf and made legal judgements. Councilors included members of the nobility, churchmen and laymen.
It had no established rules under Henry’s reign and was a permanent body with a core membership.
Who was John Morton?
A highly able churchman and lawyer. He worked against Richard III and was promoted for his services by Henry to Archbishop of Canterbury in 1486. He also became a cardinal in 1493.
Who was Reginald Bray?
Bray had been a faithful servant of Henry for a long time. Had helped Henry raise funds before the Battle of Bosworth. Led council learned in law.
Who was Edmund Dudley?
Came to prominence following the death of Bray. His role was to exploit financial opportunity’s and made influential enemies.
Who was Richard Empson?
A member of the king’s council from 1494. He eventually chaired the council learned.
What was the council learned?
The council learned’s function was to maintain the king’s revenue and to exploit his prerogative rights. It was the council learned which made the system of bonds and recognizances work so effectively.
At the Treaty of Etaples in 1492, how much did the French agree to pay Henry per annum?
£5000
Crown lands.
Henry VII was the country’s largest land owner and the rental income from his property was a very important part of the crown’s ordinary revenue. During the reign of Edward IV, income from crown lands had significantly increased.
What were the uses of bonds and recognizances?
Helped pay debts from Wars of the Roses.
Used to enforce order and raise money.
Nobles and small businesses- economic ruin would permanently keep threats low.
What did Justices of peace do?
Maintain law in the countryside.
Acts of Parliament gave power to mostly voluntary workforce.
Replace previous roles by the nobility/sheriffs.
Only Dukes of Northumberland and the Stanley’s controlled the North. After Northumberland was executed what did Henry do?
Henry released a former Richard III ally the Earl of Surrey to guard the North. As a result Surrey remained loyal for the next 10 years. For those Henry did not have faith in, he relied on a large spy network.
