Henry VII- central and local administration Flashcards
The council key members
200 councillers during his reign, Henry mostly relied on inner group to improve efficiency-
-Morton (Lord Chancellor), Fox (Lord Privy seal), Dynham (Lord Treasurer) and 5 others.
Smaller committees within the council
Court of requests, court of general surveyors, council learned in law (handles bonds and recognisances)
Composition of the council
Nobility, church like yorkists, however important members came from gentry.
Lesser landowners used as his chief advisors- needed men of ability e.g. lawyers
Why was the council learned in law so hated?
Link with b and r- royal rights thoroughly enforced and exploited by Empson and Dudley
Reg- Council of the north
Early of Surrey appointed after Yorkshire rising (ensured royal will as appointed by H). Defended Scottish border and had admin and judicial power, ensuring law was enforced quickly
Reg- Council of wales
Had been unruly in WoR. Re-established in 1493 following Edward IV’s failing model. Increased his control as it was ruled by Arthur, his Welsh connections and loss of land by lords.
Reg- Ireland council
Problem due to Yorkist support. English control limited to Dublin area Pale, major Irish families such as Kildares held sway outside area.
Attempts to increase authority limited- Poynings’ Law was unsuccessful, as attempts to bring ulster under control failed.
To prevent cost, Henry was forced to rely on Kildare families
Poynings’ Law 1494
Stipulated Irish parliaments could only be called and pass laws with the prior approval of the king
How did Henry ensure his laws were obeyed in localities?
He lacked paid officials, relied on nobility and gentry.
Developed JPs from lesser nobility and gentry who were more likely to be loyal as they didn’t have the power of greater nobles
THIS DECREASED POWER OF GREATER NOBLES TOO
What was the role of JPs?
Implementing economic and social statues Dispensing justice Upholding order Arresting poachers Rewarding informers
Why was the effectiveness of the JPs limited?
Dependent on other officials to bring offenders to them
Reluctant to act as it made them unpopular
Henry therefore heavily dependent on goodwill to ensure implementation of justice
What was the role of parliament under Henry VII
King could summon, dissolve and prorogue it when he wished. Met 7 times
What was parliament used for under Henry VII
Establishing and upholding law and order- used to pass acts of attainder against nobles, uphold his claim to the throne and define the responsibility of JPs.
Why were there so few parliamentary meetings/why were they so brief?
- Henry wanted to avoid asking for money as it could cause disquiet (such as 1489 and 1497)
- Avoided war, so didn’t need money
- most Acts of Attainder at start or end of his reign
- P’s role as a court of law fulfilled by the Council Learned in the Law
Overall judgement of admin under Henry VII
Goal was to restore law and order
Problems such as poor communication and reliance on goodwill to implement law in localities still existed, however much was done to improve situation
Men increasingly willing to take on roles such as JPs which also decreased nobility influence. Strong leadership from king, control centralised and careful selection of officers meant law and order clearly firmly established.
