Henry VIII Government

Question 1

1509-1514 (Government by Council)

Answer 1

Conciliar government had broken down by 1514. This was because of disagreements between Henry and his councillors.

Question 2

1514-1529 (Thomas Wolsey as Chief Minister)

Answer 2

From 1514, Henry relied on Wolsey to manage government. Wolsey influence was derived more from his close relationship with the King rather than from formal positions.

Question 3

1529-1532 (Conciliar Government restored)

Answer 3

Wolsey’s downfall brought a return to conciliar government

Question 4

1532-1540 (Thomas Cromwell Chief Minister)

Answer 4

Cromwell rose to power as chief minister by 1532 and dominated royal government for the rest 1530’s.

Question 5

1540-1547 (Conciliar Government restored in a new form)

Answer 5

Following Cromwell’s fall, a new Privy Council emerged with fixed membership and recorded proceedings. In the Privy Council power lay within conservatives.