Henry VII - power of nobility

Question 1

How were nobility a problem for Henry?

Answer 1

• Henry was a usurper and there was nothing preventing a powerful noble from attempting to overthrow him.
• Previously, the nobility had been able to exploit a weak King.
• They owned large amounts of land.
• He needed their advice to govern.
• ‘Super Nobles’ existed, but Wars of the Roses killed off many so he didn’t have much nobility to deal with.

Question 2

‘Stick’ methods used.

Answer 2

• Acts of Attainder
• Bonds and recocnisances
• Proclamations banning retainers.
• Feudal rights.

Question 3

‘Carrot’ methods used.

Answer 3

• The Order of the Garter
• Patronage
• Membership to King’s Council.

Question 4

What was the Order of the Garter?

Answer 4

• Great honour for those who had given excellent service.
• Gave prestige but not power or land.
• Highest order of Chivalry

Question 5

What was Patronage?

Answer 5

• As a result of loyal service.
• Given to men loyal both before and at Bosworth.
• Not just given to nobility.
• Limited amount given out, so became highly valued.

Question 6

King’s council/Great council significance?

Answer 6

• King’s council = sign of trust.

- Summons to the Great council = ensured noble support for measures.

Question 7

What were Acts of Attainder?

Answer 7

• Families lost their right to possess land.
• 9 against nobles, reversed 5.
• Good behaviour resulted in their reversal so ensured loyalty as those attained sought to reverse social and economic decline.

Question 8

What were bonds and recognisances?

Answer 8

• Written agreements whereby nobles who offended the King either paid for their offence or paid money as security for future good behaviour.
• sometimes reached £10,000.
• Between 1485 and 1509, 36/62 noble families were involved in such agreements.

Question 9

How were retainers a threat to Henry?

Answer 9

• Nobility recruited local fighting forces, which were a threat to the King as he didn’t possess his own standing army.
• 1485: Lords and Commons swear not to retain illegally.
• 1504: Proclamations ensuring nobles needed a licence to retain and heavy fines if this was not followed.

Question 10

What are Feudal Rights?

Answer 10

• Marriage: King profited from arranged marriage of heirs to certain lands.
• Wardship: Estates of minors placed under royal control, income exploited for the crown.
• Relief: Payment to King when land inherited
• Livery: Payment to king to recover from wardship

Question 11

What was the 1486 Act of Resumption?

Answer 11

Recovered land granted away since before the war of the Roses.