Henry VII government essay continuity vs change Flashcards
how was continuity shown must convincingly?
Henry remained the centre of govt
- chose to sit on his council
- had a small group of councillors that he met regularly (could trust) eg Sir Reginald Bray
- to improve efficiency of central govt he used smaller committees formed from within the council on a more regular basis
- Henry had complete control, called parliament, used the great council as a way to achieve authority and the councils main function was to advise him and administer on his behalf
how else was continuity shown? (2)
Role of parliament remained the same
- pass laws and grant taxation
- not extensively used but was an integer part of government
- only called parliament when he needed to ❗️ 7 times total, first 5 being in the first ten years of his reign
- on a whole operated effectively and and H respected its decisions
BC: had existed since 13th century
other way continuity was shown?
elite group of councillors remained the same
- Lord chancellor John Morton responsible for administration
- Lord Privy seal Richard Fox responsible for seals to enforce royal orders
- Lord Treasurer (Lord Dynham); responsible for finance
Other key figures incl Sir Reginald Bray, Lord Daubeny and Sir John Riseley
how was change shown most successfully?
the approach to finance
- took a more direct and personal interest in finances as his reign progressed
- begging allowed clumsy and inefficient departments to take control ❗️ eg treasury of exchequer
- from 1487 onwards he dealt with finances in his private rooms in the palace ❗️privy chamber ➡️ most important financial institution
- end of the crown he ensured enough annual income to meet commitments and money was carefully accounted for
❗️royal income rose from an annual average of £52,000 to £124,000 by the end of his reign
how else was the government changed during the years 1485-1509?
creation of the council learned
❗️created in 1496 by Sir Reginald Bray
dealt with fiscal matters and enforced payments of debts (more efficient than the exchequer)
- able to bypass laws with no way to appeal ➡️very unpopular as Empson and Dudley were extremely harsh and created fear of bureaucrats
long term : Empson and Dudley were imprisoned, convicted of treason, attained and executed in 1510
more change or continuity?
Evidenced by the stability of Henry’s govt as well as reign there was indefinitely more continuity throughout, most significantly being due to his place in government. Although as Henry’s confidence grew and aims were able to move away from securing dynasty he was able to have a more proactive approach to finance
