Henry VIII's Consolidation of Power

Question 1

Did Henry’s behaviour change during his reign?

Answer 1

Yes. Treason laws became much harsher during the 1530s as Henry VIII feared people would not accept his marriage to Anne Boleyn

Question 2

What were Henry’s aims throughout his reign?

Answer 2

• Maintaining England’s security and stability
• The pursuit of glory and war against France
• To establish England’s status as an important European power
• To preserve the Tudor dynasty, especially the succession

Question 3

What were some of Henry’s early aims?

Answer 3

• To legitimate his authority
• To establish himself as king of England
• To distance himself from his father’s unpopular policies

Question 4

What were Henry’s later aims?

Answer 4

• (end of 1520s) To divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn
• Becoming rex imperator
• (by the 1930s) Henry aimed to rid England of papal authority

Question 5

What does rex imperator mean?

Answer 5

An imperial king

Question 6

How much did Henry VII leave to Henry?

Answer 6

Around £300,000 in the royal coffers (funds) in 1509

Question 7

Who was in the Royal Council after Henry VII died?

Answer 7

1) Archbishop of Canterbury Warham (also Lord Chancellor)
2) Sir Thomas Lovell as Chancellor of the Exchequer
3) Bishop Fox, the Lord Privy Seal

Question 8

How did Henry distance himself from his father’s rule?

Answer 8

He attacked his father’s advisors and institutions, e.g., he arrested Empson and Dudley (Henry VII’s financial enforcers) and shut down the Council Learned in Law