Henry VII - central and local government

Question 1

Henry VII changes to central government.

Answer 1

• Inner group of King’s council
• Court of Requests, Court of General Surveyors, Council Learned in the Law.
• ‘new men’ brought in - lesser landowners, gentry/professional classes, lawyers.
• Needed men of ability, not just birth.
• exploitation of royal rights.

Question 2

Who were the council learned in the law?

Answer 2

• Epsom and Dudley, dealt with problems concerning royal lands and rights.
• Staffed by men with legal expertise and important in enforcing Bonds and recognisances.

Question 3

Royal authority in the North

Answer 3

• had the responsibility to defend the northern border, also administrative and judicial power.
• Council in London closely watched their activities - members appointed by him, ensuring greater loyalty and enforcement of will.

Question 4

Royal authority in Wales.

Answer 4

• Henry revived Council of Wales and the marches in 1493, under the head of Arthur.
• Death and loss of lands by a number of Marcher lords he was able to increase his control.

Question 5

Royal authority in Ireland.

Answer 5

• Ireland was a Yorkist stronghold so control was limited to the Pale (around Dublin)
• Henry’s deputy in Ireland (Poynings) failed to bring Ulster under greater control.
• Increasing control would be costly, so Henry forced to rely on its rule through traditional families.

Question 6

How effective was local government?

Answer 6

• He lacked paid officials to enforce his laws, relied on support of nobility and gentry.
• JPs: chosen from second rank of landowners, weakened power of greater nobles. Dependent on other officials to bring offenders to them.
• Henry dependent on goodwill to ensure justice was implemented.

Question 7

What was the role of JPs?

Answer 7

• Implementing social and economic statutes
• dispensing justice and trying criminal offences
• upholding public order
• replacing suspect members of juries
• acting in cases of non-capital offences without a jury
• rewarding informers
• arresting and questioning poachers
• empowered to grant bail

Question 8

How important was parliament?

Answer 8

• Only called when King needed money or to pass laws.
• Only met 7 times during his reign.
• H wanted to avoid asking the country for money as it caused disquiet.
• avoided war as much as possible so needed to raise less money
• Used to pass Acts of attainder
• Role as a court of law being fulfilled by other courts
• succeeded in establishing law and order.