Henry VII’s Government Flashcards
What was the primary purpose of The Council under Henry VII?
To advise the King, administer the realm, and make legal judgments
List the three main types of councillors in Henry VII’s Council.
Nobility (e.g Lord Daubenay)
Churchmen (e.g John Morton, Richard Fox)
Laymen (gentry or lawyers, e.g., Sir Reginald Bray, Edmund Dudley)
Who was considered Henry’s most influential advisor?
His mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort
Why would members of The Council sometimes meet separately?
To deal with key administration concerns when Henry was not present.
When did Henry finally feel he was in a good place to replace some of the people on The Council from Edwards’s reign?
1499.
Who was John Morton?
Churchman and lawyer who was against Richard lll. Was promoted to Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry.
Who was Sir Reginald Bray?
Faithful servant of Henry vii was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Helped raise funds before Battle of Bos.
What was the Council Learned in the Law’s function?
Function was to maintain the King’s revenue as the owner of all the Crown lands, ensuring that he received all the money he was entitled to and to exploit his prerogative rights.
Why were the workings of the Council Learned often seen as ‘shady’?
It was not a recognised court of law. Operated without a jury and those summoned before it had no chance of appeal.
What was unique about the King’s Council?
They were appointed based on merit and not status.
Who was Richard Fox?
Bishop of Exeter and Lord of the Great Seal which meant he was in charge of the stamp. Had a seat in HoL.
How did Henry reward loyal nobles?
Jasper Tudor became the most powerful noble in Wales. Thomas Howard was made Lord Treasurer in 1501.
Who led the Council Learned in the Law?
Bray until his death in 1503 then Empson and Dudley until 1509.
Who was Edmund Dudley?
Prominent figure following Bray’s death. Role was to exploit financial opportunities which helped him make influential enemies.
Who was Richard Empson?
Member of the Kings Council. Arrested shortly after the death of Henry and executed a year later.
What did Henry viii do Empson and Dudley when he became King?
Executed them to win favour with the nobility and the people of England.
What was the Royal Court?
Centre of government and was a focus of personal monarchy.
Why did Henry establish the Privy Chamber?
Established after the betrayal of William Stanley, his step uncle who was Lord Chamberlain. Made it harder to gain favour with the King.
Who were the four people closest to Henry?
Uncle- Jasper Tudor.
Friend- Earl of Oxford.
Stepfather- Lord Stanley.
Mother- Margaret Beaufort.
Was Henry interested in theology?
No but he was personally pious.
Did Henry have influence over the operations of Church courts?
He did not and the Church had a separate legal system to that of the state.
What was praemunire and what’s the penalty?
Placing the authority of a foreign power above that of the Crown. Penalty was life imprisonment and the loss of their property to the Crown.
How often did Parliament meet throughout Henry’s reign?
Called Parliament 7 times in total. 5 in the first 10 years of his reign and 2 in the remaining 14 years.
What was the House of Lords made up of?
Made up of Lords Spiritual (bishops and abbots) and Lords Temporal (nobility).
What were the two main functions of Parliament?
To pass laws and to grant taxation to the Crown.
What were JPs?
Justices of the Peace who maintained law and order in the countryside.
How did the JPs help Henry?
They were responsible for tax assessments, alehouse regulations, the investigation of complaints against local officials.
What was bad about Bonds and Recognisances?
They were morally dubious method of maintaining order and it caused the nobles to feel resentment towards Henry
Why was Henry wary of the nobility?
As a usurper he could have his throne taken by force at any time.
Many people were tired of the instability the Wars of the Roses caused. Henry had to bring stability to England to be successful.
What did the turbulent years of Richard lll show Henry?
When the man was weak or disliked, so was the monarchy. Henry had to secure the loyalty or submission of the nobility.
What was the Star Chamber?
A means for Henry to prosecute anyone who behaved in a rebellious or lawless manner.
What was retaining?
Noble practice of recruiting gentry followers. 1504, nobles has to obtain a special license to retain. Lord Burgavenny faced a fine of £70,000
