Henry VIII's Government Flashcards
What form of government did Henry VIII use in his early reign? And what years did it span?
Conciliar government (1509-1514)
Which part of the government did Henry VIII use that his father also used?
The Privy Chamber
What were the people who were in Henry VIII’s Privy Chamber usually called?
The Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber
More realistically, ‘minions’, as they were young courtiers who enjoyed the favour of Henry VIII
Which modern interpretation of Henry VIII highlights how his government was controlled?
Eric Ives - ‘‘Monarchy was personal… depending on the King’s willingness… almost all his work [was] word of mouth.’’
What was the basic of power of any individual or group during Henry VIII’s reign?
Royal favour
What’s a different between his father and Henry VIII in regards to Parliament?
He thought it was a priority, whereas his father didn’t
How many times was Parliament called under Henry VIII? And how many were he present for?
27 Parliamentary sessions were called
Henry VIII was present in some capacity for 25 of them
While Wolsey was dominating the political scene, what was Parliament primarily used for?
To grant subsidies
In 1513, Parliament granted a subsidy for the war with France - what was the issue with this?
Parliament granted £160,000 but only £50,000 was raised
What was another issue that Parliament had to begin tackling under Henry VIII?
Anticlericalism
What was an early attempt by Parliament to prevent anticlericalism?
1512 - An Act limiting the benefit of clergy to men in holy orders
What was the burning issue for Parliament in 1515?
The Richard Hunne Case
What was the backdrop of the Richard Hunne Case?
1515 - Hunne was found dead hanging from a beam in prison after a convoluted dispute with the Church which ended in him being charged of heresy
The Church pushed it being suicide, yet it was blatantly murder by Church officials
Which individual elevated tensions in the Hunne Case? Why was this?
Bishop Fitzjames of London elevated the case by appealing for clerical immunity for the clergy implicated in Hunne’s murder - this was because the main person implicated was William Horsey, Fitzjames’ chancellor
What was the ultimate verdict to the Hunne Case?
After many disagreements, Horsey was charged with praemunire and expelled 160 miles from the capital
Wolsey - on behalf of the clergy - had to kneel before Parliament and beg the king’s pardon
Who were some influential individuals in Henry VIII’s Privy Chamber? (3 examples)
William Brereton
Anthony Denny
William Compton
What was William Brereton’s significance in the Privy Chamber?
He was the Groom of the Privy Chamber + enjoyed 30 royal grants which brought him £1000 per year until his execution in 1536
What was Anthony Denny’s significant in the Privy Chamber?
One of the chief gentlemen of the Privy Chamber
Experienced in diplomatic relations + as an ambassador
Could legally forge Henry VIII’s signature to sign documents the king grew tired of doing
What was William Compton’s significance in the Privy Chamber?
One of Henry VIII’s Grooms of the Stool
In charge of the Privy Purse - in the first year of the reign Compton was given about £2000 to spend - this rose to £17500 in just 4 years
Which two modern historians support the view that the Privy Chamber assumed even more importance in Henry VIII’s final years?
Eric Ives
David Starkey
What was a different approach taken by Henry VIII compared to his father in regards to councillors?
He allowed more freedom to initiate policy - but it was always within the limits of his trust and confidence
Which individual did it fall onto to liaise with the king on behalf of the council?
Bishop + Lord Privy Seal Richard Foxe
Although Henry VIII kept most of his father’s ministers, what did he also do in terms of promotion?
He was quick to promote men who focused on serve for Henry VIII’s pleasure - not necessarily talent
Who is a good example of a man who was promoted based on royal favour?
Sir Henry Marney - one of the richest office holders under the crown
What 4 roles did Sir Henry Marney have due to royal favour promotions?
Captain of the Guard
Vice Chamberlain
Knight of the Garter
Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster (formerly held by Empson)
Although Henry VIII’s ministers controlled the implementation of Crown policy - which modern historian argues against this?
John Guy - he asserts that the king might intervene or change his mind at will thus making ministerial positions rather volatile and risky (Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell were both executed despite decades of loyalty)
