Henry VII - Nobility Flashcards
What were some of the problems with nobles? (4)
Some had claims to the throne and could threaten Henry.
If nobles got too powerful they could challenge the king.
Some nobles didn’t always pay their dues to the king.
Nobles used their influence to undermine the law.
Was Henry VII anti-noble?
No, he did what he needed to do to consolidate his position.
How did Henry VII control the nobility? (5)
Patronage. Attainders. Order of the Garter. Anti-retaining laws and fines. Bonds and recognisances.
What was patronage?
When the crown rewarded someone with money, land or a title.
Why did Henry VII not reward people with land?
He did this as it decreased his income and if a noble got too much land they could threaten his crown.
Why did Henry VII reward people further down the social scale more?
He did this as these men would be more loyal as they owed their whole status and wealth to Henry’s patronage.
What were attainders?
Attainders were special laws passed which allowed someone to be declared guilty of treason without a trial.
What did Henry VII use attainders for?
He used them to seize titles and lands of nobles who he suspected were disloyal.
Why did Henry reverse some attainders?
Because he believed that the noble was loyal again.
How many attainders were passed?
138
How many attainders were reversed?
46
Why did Henry VII use more attainders towards the end of his reign?
It was because he was becoming more paranoid
What was the Order of the Garter?
An honorary title bestowed on nobles that deserved a reward.
Why did Henry VII use the Order of the Garter to reward nobles?
It was cheaper than giving out land as it was just a title.
What was retaining?
It was when nobles had a large number of men in their personal staff as household servants but in reality those men were part of informal armies.
