Henry VIII Society

Question 1

What did the Law in Wales Act do?

Answer 1

• before 1536, Wales was a separate territory from England, though in practice it was under English control
• Act divided Wales into shire counties which operated on the same basis as English counterparts
• gave them direct representation in the House of Commons
• led to a decline in the Welsh language

Question 2

What were English palatinates?

Answer 2

• counties that were separate jurisdictions from the rest of the kingdom
• Lancashire, Cheshire and Durham
• mattered little in Cheshire and Lancashire as they were controlled by royal hands
• however, Durham still technically separate, with palatinate jurisdiction being exercised by the bishop

Question 3

What did the Act Resuming Liberties to the Crown do?

Answer 3

• reduced the level of independence enjoyed by the bishop in Durham
• didn’t completely destroy it

Question 4

What was the problem with the Anglo Scottish border and how was it dealt with?

Answer 4

• remained a problematic area with a reputation for lawlessness
• difficult to police as much of it was remote and inhospitable in the winter months
• in order to deal with problems, the border was split into three marches, each under the jurisdiction of a warden

Question 5

What were the motivations behind the 1536 Pilgrimage of Grace?

Answer 5

• many motivated by the possible loss of parish churches during the dissolution of the monasteries
• idea that the North would be impoverished by monastic lands falling into the hands of Southerners
• 1536 injunctions drawn up by Cromwell seen as an attack on traditional religious practices
• ordinary rebels generally more motivated by economic grievances, such as resentment of taxation
• Elton argues rebellions arose from councillors who were supporters of Catherine of Aragon and wanted Mary restored as heir

Question 6

What was the result of the Pilgrimage of Grace?

Answer 6

• leader Robert Aske presented the Pontefract Articles, a list of 24 demands for the King
• Duke of Norfolk promised him they would be taken into consideration and rebels would be pardoned
• rebels started to disband in response to diplomacy, making it easier to crush the rebellion
• 200 rebels executed