Henry VII consolidation of royal authority

Question 1

Methods of consolidating Royal Authority

Answer 1

Predating his Kingship
Dealing with Yorkists
Patronage
Marriage & Child with Elizabeth of York,
Church Patronage
Control of Nobility
Support from Foreign powers
Law & Order

Question 2

Predating his Kingship

Answer 2

Dated his reign on 21st August 1485. This classed all Richard supporters his enemies, they were traitors to the crown so could be placed under attainder. Their estates became his - increased royal coffers

Question 3

Dealing with Yorkists

Answer 3

Surviving Yorkist nobles pardoned or killed.
Earl of Warwick sent to the Tower of London and killed in 1499 after support of Warbeck
Thomas Stafford and Edmund De La Pole executed - set the precedent for Yorkists
John De La Pole pardoned - joined Royal Council, but helped Simnel in 1487 - Received support from MOB - undermines Henry VII

Question 4

Patronage

Answer 4

Henry rewarded loyalty and gave his subjects titles and land.
Henry gave patronage FOR loyalty, not in EXPECTATION
William Stanley - Lord Chamberlain. BUT - supported Warbeck and was executed UNDERMINED HENRY

Question 5

Marriage to Elizabeth of York

Answer 5

Married Elizabeth uniting the two houses, but War of Roses didn’t stop until the Battle of Stoke
Gave birth to Son Arthur - Permeated reign and could be used for foreign relations (Wales) (Spain)
Married AFTER CORONATION, therefore his rule was from divine right not through his Wife

Question 6

Noble Control

Answer 6

Controlled the nobles, they had more power after the WOR
Carrot and Stick policy - Patronage, Order of the garter, land in return for loyalty. Didn’t alienate them. but didn’t empower them like Richard III
2/3 nobles under AOA, 136 times used. 1/3 reversed - cat and mouse
Retaining - 1497 outlawed, 1504 - licenses for crown use. Lord Burgavenny - £5000/year

Question 7

Foreign Support

Answer 7

Received support from France and Spain - Treaty of Etaples (1492) and Medina Del Campo (1489) - reduced foreign invasion threat and also increased recognition of his reign

Question 8

Law & Order

Answer 8

Effective system of JP’s and Sheriffs - Ensured local support and no rebellion on a local level
18/county
1 year term = reinstated = improved social position = incentive.

Question 9

Regional Governments

Answer 9

Regional governments appointed to govern part of the kingdom. Entrusted Key men who would abide without question
Thomas Howard: Council of the North
Jasper Tudor: Council of Wales
Edward Poyning: Council of Ireland
Not 1 individual had full regional control. Mastered by the royal council - enhanced royal authority