Henry VII - Domestic Policy Flashcards
How did Henry control northeast and Yorkshire after the Earl of Northumberland died in 1489?
Released Yorkist, Earl of Surrey, from the tower - who served effectively for 10 years
Risky (supporter of Richard iii)
How did Henry ensure security due to less magnates after wars of roses?
Magnate control largely confined to north
Employed trustworthy Earl of Oxford and lord daubeney - lacked resources of great magnates
Relied on untrustworthy in other areas e.g Marquis of Dorset
Employed spy network to report on magnate performance and imposed bonds and recognisances
Who were Justices of the Peace?
Appointed on a county basis
Most local gentry - unpaid tasks out of duty or further advancement
but some royal officials in areas they were interested in
What did justices of the peace do?
Maintained law and order in the country side - superseded traditional authority of county sheriff
Met four times a year in quarter sessions to administer justice
Various acts of parliament increased their powers
Reasons for Henry’s use of Bonds and recognisances
Some due to genuine debts, but many purely political
Used to maintain order
What were the sources of royal income?
Crown lands Feudal dues and royal prerogative Customs Pensions from foreign powers Profits of justice Extraordinary revenue
Development of finance of crown lands
Dropped to £12,000 due to court of exchequer
1492 - reverted to Edward IV efficient chamber system (household not admin department)
End of reign - £42,000 p.a.
Profits from feudal dues
Greater profits from warship and 1504 parliament granted feudal aid
How was revenue gained by royal prerogative
Lawyers examined 13th century text to find precedents
What did the statute of uses 1489 do?
Cut out a loophole to prevent tax avoidance
How much revenue was promised to king between 1504-1506 from profits of justice?
£200,000 though not all was collected
Henry preferred fines rather than execution or imprisonment
How much extraordinary revenue did Henry vii raise?
Over £400,000
How did bonds and recognisances increase 1493-1505
£3000 to £35,000
By how much did revenue from feudal dues increase between 1487 and 1507?
£350 - £6000
What was the distraint of knighthood?
Feudal law forcing land holders with annual incomes of over £20 to accept knighthood
Enforced Feudal obligations
