Henry VII - governing

Question 1

What was Henry’s method of central governing

Answer 1

He had over 200 councillors in total, but used a small inner council of only 40
e.g. Lord Privy Seal, Richard Fox

Question 2

Why did the small inner circle provide stability?

Answer 2

They were in power for a long time

Richard Fox served for 22 years, until Henry’s death

Question 3

What was the Council Learned?

Answer 3

1495 - set up to keep track of feudal dues and bonds and recognisances
It was widely feared, as was its leaders: Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley

Question 4

What was regional government?

Answer 4

Henry employed nobles to rule over regions (e.g. Jasper Tudor over Wales).

Question 5

How did he avoid nobles becoming over mighty in Regional governance?

Answer 5

Ensured that most of the time, the people who ruled weren’t from that area.
Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey was Lieutenant of the North.

Question 6

How did Henry keep control of the Council of the North?

Answer 6

It was Henry that employed its councillors.

-> Bishop of Carlisle enforced Henry’s rule.

Question 7

Why was Henry more lax over ruling Wales?

Answer 7

He had familial connections, so trusted them. Therefore, he rewarded them by allowing Welshmen to hold positions.
-> Rhys ap Thomas governed South Wales.

Question 8

What happened to the governance of Ireland after the Simnel affair?

Answer 8

The Earl of Kildare, Gerald Fitzgerald, recognised Simnel as Edward VI, so was deprived of his position of Lord Deputy.
However, he was then forgiven and his position was restored.

Question 9

What was Poynings Law?

Answer 9

In 1494, it was decided that the Irish Parliament could only be summoned with Henry’s permission, and English laws would apply to Ireland.
It was soon abandoned - it was too expensive.

Question 10

How did Henry dominate local government?

Answer 10

• Exploiting crown lands
• Use of royal council to settle disputes
• Power of JPs

Question 11

What was the weakness of local government?

Answer 11

• Henry relied on goodwill of officials he employed
• Henry relied on Justices to uphold the law
• Henry’s only power was threat of removal

Question 12

How many times did Henry summon Parliament

Answer 12

7

Question 13

Why didn’t Henry summon Parliament much

Answer 13

• didn’t need funds for war
• didn’t want to strain loyalty of subjects with tax
• used other sources for income
• didn’t need large scale legislation
  SHOWED POWER CAME FROM THE CROWN NOT PARLIAMENT

Question 14

When did Henry use Parliament?

Answer 14

• important business
• Ratify claim to the throne
• attainders
• legislation against retaining (1504)