Henry VIII - society Flashcards
How did the prestige of the nobility decrease?
During a period of economic decline the nobility had to sell their land or lease it on long lease up to 99 years. They had to wait till the 1600s to repossess their land
They could no longer afford to maintain large households
Service to the crown became more attractive
What was the impact of the redistribution of land?
It marked the rise of the gentry
They also purchsed the monastic land sold by the crown
When land prices and rents rose after 1500 the gentry benefitted
How did the urban elite rise in status?
Merchants, burgesses, craftsmen were returned toparliament which gave them a political voice
How did the decline in the power of the nobility affect commoners?
It brought out a disappearance of serfdom and labour services
The peasants were technically free to move about the country
How did peasant small holders become more self sufficuent?
Owed 12 - 16 hectares of land
gained tenancies that lasted a lifetime called copy hold
Some ammased land of yup to 80 hectares
Some peassants joined the rank of yeoman
Commoners with skills and trades moved to towns to build up businesses
