Henry VII's Relations with the Nobility

Question 1

Issues the nobility posed

Answer 1

Given the power and wealth of the nobles it is vital that Henry controlled them. He used Inducements (rewards) and Sanctions (punishments)

He needed them for :

• Advice to rule
• Enforce royal will in local authorities
• Fill key offices

Question 2

Inducements

4

Answer 2

• Gave many who fought for Richard a 2nd chance e.g. restored Earl of Northumberland
• Made the Order of the Garter, seen as prestigious
• Patronage for royal service
• Issued summons to the King’s Council, which was a sign of trust

Question 3

Sanctions

3

Answer 3

• Acts of Attainder damaged families as they lost the right to possess land
• Bonds & Recoginisances; nobles who offended the King paid him money as security for future behaviour
• Act of Resumption 1486 took back Royal Land since 1455, making him more powerful than any Noble

Question 4

Success of dealing w the Nobility

Answer 4

Little noble unrest after the defeat of Simnel. However, increasing Acts of Attainder, 51 between 1504-09, caused discontent. Over half of noble families involved in Bonds & Recognisences. Its possible that a civil war could’ve broke out had Henry not died in 1509, and thus he was not completely secure form the nobility