Henry VIII's Consolidation of Power Flashcards
Henry VIII: a Renaissance prince?
Henry VIII was considered very handsome, and was vain. He was also egotistical and self-righteous. Henry VIII styled himself as a fecund (fertile) prince who could secure the Tudor dynasty. Henry VIII also loved hunting, music, poetry, sport and court entertainments.
Henry VIII: a bloated tyrant?
Henry VIII’s behaviour changed during his reign. There is debate over whether there was a specific accident which triggered Henry VIII’s change or whether he had always displayed traits of cruelty and instability. Treason laws became much harsher during the 1530s as Henry VIII feared people would not accept his marriage to Anne Boleyn.
Consistent aims
Henry’s aims throughout his reign included:
Maintaining England’s security and stability.
The pursuit of glory and war against France. (He wanted to copy Henry V and his success at Agincourt in 1415). To establish England’s status as an important European power.
To preserve the Tudor dynasty, especially the succession.
Early aims
Initially, Henry VIII’s aims were to legitimate his authority. He wanted to establish himself as king of England. He wanted to distance himself from his father’s unpopular policies.
Later aims
By the end of the 1520s, Henry VIII’s aims included divorce from Catherine of Aragon and marriage to Anne Boleyn. This led to Henry VIII focusing on becoming rex imperator (an imperial king). By the 1530s, Henry VIII aimed to rid England of papal authority. He could divorce, re-marry and become rex imperator.
Henry VII’s legacy
There was around £300,000 in the royal coffers in 1509. At first, the Royal Council was full of Henry VII’s loyal servants. Among those were:
> Archbishop of Canterbury Warham (also Lord Chancellor).
Sir Thomas Lovell as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Bishop Fox, the Lord Privy Seal.
Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon, who had not been allowed to leave England, securing the marriage alliance with Spain.
Changes from Henry VII’s rule
As soon as Henry VIII became king, he attacked his father’s advisors and institutions. For example, he arrested Empson and Dudley (Henry VII’s financial enforcers) and shut down the Council Learned in Law.
