Henry VIII - Thomas Wolsey, Government reforms Flashcards
How did Wolsey regard parliament?
It can be argued that Wolsey attempted to rule without Parliament. This is evident by the fact that the Amicable grant was not granted by Parliament.
How many times was Parliament called under Wolsey?
Once.
What happened to Government by Councils?
It had ended by 1514, Henry was disenchanted with his advisors and often turned to Wolsey for everything.
Eventually Wolsey was in charge of Law, Foreign Policy and the Church.
When did Wolsey first attempt to reform the Privy Chamber?
1519
What happened during Wolsey’s first reforms of the Privy chamber?
Wolsey attempted to remove his enemies from power, however they managed to regain their positions and the Privy Chamber was still out of his control (largely)
When were the Eltham Ordinances?
1526
What were the Eltham Ordinances?
Wolsey proposed reforms to reduce the expenditure of the Royal Court.
* These reforms would reduce the size of the Privy Council.
* All of Wolsey’s allies remained and all his enemies had been removed.
* The number of gentlemen fell from 12 to 6
* More importantly he secured the removal of the groom of the stool, Sir William Compton, replacing him with one of his followers - Henry Norris
How did Wolsey raise revenue through Church Reform?
- He ordered inspections of monastaries and other religious institutions. Two dozen religious houses were dissolved and their assets given to Henry VIII.
- 1528 He drew up plans to close monastaries.
What title was Henry granted in 1521 and why?
Henry VIII was granted the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ as a reward for his pamphlet “declarations of the seven sacrements against Martin Luther” from Pope Leo X.
How did Wolsey control the spread of Protestantism?
- In 1521 there were public burnings of lutherian texts.
- In 1526 there was recantations of heretics.
What changes were made to the clergy?
Wolsey pressured the clergy into paying higher taxes in order to enhance Henry’s sense of control over the Church.
Wolsey improved the education of the Clergy
Wolsey removed 8 unsuitable monastaic heads in 1528.
How did Wolsey tackle enclosure?
There was a national inquiry into enclosure in 1517.
There was an order to return land for arable farming.
The actions taken by Wolsey challenged the power of the Nobility.
However, he never truly reduced enclosure and in 1523 he had to accept all existing enclosures.
How did Wolsey use the Court of Star Chamber?
From 1516 Wolsey used the Court of Star Chamber to increase cheap and fair justice. He used it to challenge the power of nobility.
Cases rose from 12 to 120pa.
However, growing resentment from nobility.
How did Wolsey manage finance?
Balance Sheet :
Wolsey raised £322, 099 in subsidies, £240,000 in Clerical Taxation and £260,000 in forced loans however these gains could not finance a war –> Government expenditure between 1509 & 1520 was £1.7 million
Act of Resumption, 1515 :
Returned some land to the crown as income had decreased to £25,000 per annum
Changed taxation:
Changed taxation of tens and fifteenths to subsidies. Wolsey raised money for war this way.
