Henrys actions of weakening the nobility

Question 1

Why was the nobility a threat to Henry

Answer 1

During the Wars of the Roses the nobility gained power and freedom to do what they like so they began to use there servants and retainers as a private army to settle petty quarrels (which was illegal)
This was a threat to Henry since he had no idea of the size of the nobles private armies
The overmighty subjects could also then have the power to create rebellions against Henry (Henry would be venerable as he was a new king)

Question 2

Controlling noble marriages
(how and why)

Answer 2

Why-
Henry would control noble marriages to ensure powerful magnates didn’t marry powerful heiresses. This would create dangerous power blocs which would threaten Henry.
How-
He was able to do this as he became the feudal lord which meant nobles had to ask Henry for permission before they could get married
Fines were in place for those who get married without authorisation from the king

Question 3

Surveillance of overmighty subjects

Answer 3

Overmighty subjects still remained (Earls of Northumberland and Dukes of Buckingham) but were kept under surveillance
This was to ensure they weren’t either plotting against the king, or increasing there power unbeknown to the king

Question 4

Curbing the practice of retaining

Answer 4

Reduction in the amount of retainers the magnates were allowed
This was introduced so magnates couldn’t build an army in order to begin rebellions against Henry
If the nobility was found illegally retaining they would be fined £5 per illegal retainer they had to deter this from occurring (nobles had hundreds of retainers each)

Question 5

Patronage

Answer 5

Throughout Henrys reign he did not distribute titles to many
Henry did not buy the loyalty of his noble men instead the nobility were loyal in hopes to be rewarded with land and power (which rarely happened)
This gave Henry power and control over the nobility as he decided who benefitted

Question 6

Financial penalties

Answer 6

Written agreements when a person who offended the king was forced pay upfront or promise to pay a a sum of money for security of there future good behaviour
This system did three things-
1. Ensures the loyalty of the nobility to Henry
2. Raised much needed revenue for the crown
3. Deterred nobility from being disloyal as a fine would be in place if they were

Question 7

Livery (uniform and maintenance)

Answer 7

Two laws were passed against retaining
Act of 1487-
Only licenced retainers were allowed
Limits were put in place about the number of retainers nobles could have
Size of retinue was dependant on the nobleman’s status

Legislation of 1504-
Lords had to have a special licence to employ retainers and the whole retinue would have to be listed for royal approval