Henry VII Society: Churchman, Nobles And Commoners

Question 1

Society

Answer 1

• hierarchical
• Social status dominated society
• top of the pyramid was the king-nobility-gentry-higher clergy-merchants-lower clergy-yeomen-commoners
• each class had the duty to serve the class above and the higher classes obliged to look after the interests of those below. Called the great chain of being

Question 2

Church and churchmen

Answer 2

• The Roman Catholic church was a large and powerful organisation that consisted of the regular clergy (10,000 strong) and secular clergy (35,000)
• own system of law courts and privileges which rivalled the authority of the king
  Courts dealt with crimes like adultery, heresy and crimes committed by churchmen

Question 3

Nobility and gentry

Answer 3

• most privileged class in England
• few in number=in 1500 55 nobles, 500 knights, 800 esquires and 5,000 gentlemen (1% of the population)
  Wealth and power from landowning and office holding
• crown relied on this class to govern the kingdom, keep the peace and pay the majority of taxes
• nobles=house of Lords
• Gentry=house of commons

Question 4

The commoners

Answer 4

• just over 2 million commoners living in England and wales in 1500
• 50% at or below poverty line
• lived and worked in rural areas
• rent or but land