Increasing borough representation Flashcards
Increasing borough representation
- Each borough sent 2 MPs to sit in parliament - increased as the numbers of boroughs rose to 191 by 1603.
- Similar trend as the size of the Commons grew from 296 to 462, mirroring the reduction of the House of Lords.
How did Henry’s Govt contribute to increasing borough representation?
- Following the dissolution of the monasteries 1536-40, abbots were no longer summoned to the House of Lords. This decreased the number of nobility representatives.
- Most new MP was created as a result of Henry VIII’s changes to government of Wales in the 1535 Law in Wales Act.
How many boroughs did Edward create?
34
How many boroughs did Mary create
25
How many boroughs did Liz create
62
Why did borough rep grow?
Pressure from the town
- Towns ensured community interests were promoted in Parli through the use of petitions and the creation of new laws.
- Under Edward, the cooperation of York was keen to ensure laws were passed that prevented the chopping of woodland areas within 25km of the city.
- MPs continuously engaged with their corporation about such matters - seem to pay little attention to other significant religious changes happening in his parliaments.
Why borough rep increased
Financially sensible for gentry to be MPs
- Most MPs weren’t townsmen’, but rather members of the landed gentry who lived outside of the town they represent. For example, half were townsmen and half were gentry in the Reformation Parli (1529-36) - continued but falling trend as gentry in 1559 was 23%.
- MPs could claim expenses from their constituency to cover the costs of sitting in Parli, being estimated £70 to fund one MP, doubling as each borough had 2 reps and costs grew with more frequent meetings.
- Wealthy towns like York, Bristol or Worcester could afford it, while smaller and poorer boroughs looked to wealthy members of the gentry or nobility to cover these costs or nominate their own candidate.
- Desirable to be an MP due to opportunities in London - especially as the Tudor Court became an important centre of patronage and to generally build a career.
Sir Edmund Rowse and Durwich
Financially sensible for gentry to be MPs example
- £50 per annum income and in 1559 - not enough to pay for 2 MPs.
- Town accepted Sir Edmund Rowse’s offer, avoided additional expenses whilst Rowse could pursue his own interests as an MP.
Why rep increased
Use of patronage
- Gentry MPs were controlled by a noble or a monarch by the increasingly widespread system of patronage, with nobility using their landed power to control borough elections.
- Under Henry VIII: Duke of Norfolk was able to ensure his client’s election to boroughs like Castle Rising, Great Yarmouth and Reigate.
- Under Elizabeth I: Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, elected his candidates in the boroughs of Poole (Dorset), Tamworth (Staffordshire) and Denbigh N.W)
How was patronage mutually beneficial for boroughs, nobility and monarchy?
- Boroughs - ensured their interests were looked after in Parliament by the most powerful men = the borough of Lincoln allowed Earl of Rutland to nominate one of his own candidates as MP.
- Nobility -power is dependent on their ability to place candidates in positions of influence was a measure of their own power; otherwise costing loyalty, support and court position compromise.
- Monarch - used the system to ensure MPs did what they are told.
Why rep increased
EXTENDING MONARCH POWER
- Crown controlled the newly created boroughs, e.g Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy Lancaster.
- Advantage = placed their own, experienced and trusted candidates in Parli. Sir Christopher Hatton, one of Liz’s most trusted courtiers, was elected as MP for Higham Ferrers for the 1571 Parliament.
- Attempted to influence elections subtly, ensuring their favourite candidate is elected - crucial in the Reformation Parli due to the Commons’ growing confidence. Gatton (Catholic Copley family) was pressured by the Liz’s Privy Council to elect suitable MPs to the Queen.
Conclusion
The growth of borough representation was the result of, and an increasing challenge to, the extension of royal power into the localities = done to keep the nobility and gentry happy by allowing increased manipulation of elections but also because the Commons was growing in confidence and influence - struggled to control parliamentary debates.
