Maintenance 5 - Role of Nobility

Question 1

What role did nobles play overall in stability?

Answer 1

• A fundamental one.
• Acted as both upholders of law and order in the localities, but also having the power and influence to undermine royal authority.

Question 2

How did nobles influence stability as landowners?

Answer 2

• Families such as the Percys and Howards built up large estates where they ruled their tenants like kings.
• Able to raise forces from their tenants which threatened the power of the monarch but was also needed by monarch to put down unrest.
• Therefore important to keep the nobility loyal.

Question 3

How did nobles influence stability as local governors?

Answer 3

• Often commanded the following of local gentry which allowed them to manage local politics.
• As Lord Lieutenants, they acted as the crown’s representatives in the counties, commanded the local militia and were responsible for justice.
• As presidents of councils they could influence justice and the raising of troops.
• Particularly important in border areas which were not visited by monarchs.

Question 4

How did nobles influence as court affect political stability?

Answer 4

• Often were friends of the monarch as well as occupying offices such as steward or chamberlain.
• Important role on Privy Council, although with the emergence of professional advisers such as Thomas Cromwell to Henry VIII and William Cecil to Elizabeth I, their influence declined.

Question 5

How did nobles influence political stability through parliament?

Answer 5

Either as members of the Lords or by influencing the elections of MPs to the Commons.

Question 6

What common problem did nobles cause for the crown?

Answer 6

Could become disaffected and challenge the power of the monarch, as was shown by the Earl of Essex in 1601 who objected to the domination of the low-born Cecil family.

Question 7

Which nobles were involved in suppressing Simnel’s invasion in 1486-7?

Answer 7

Henry had support of a duke, 5 earls, a viscount and four barons.

Question 8

Which nobles were involved in suppressing Warbeck’s invasion in 1497?

Answer 8

• Earl of Devon
• Lord Daubeney
• Willoughby de Broke

Question 9

Which nobles were involved in suppressing the Amicable Grant Rising in 1525?

Answer 9

The Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Question 10

Which nobles were involved in suppressing the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536?

Answer 10

Earl of Shrewsbury and Duke of Norfolk.

Question 11

Which noble was involved in suppressing the Western Rebellion in 1549?

Answer 11

Lord Russell.

Question 12

Which nobles were involved in suppressing Kett’s rebellion in 1549?

Answer 12

Marquis of Northampton and the Earl of Warwick.

Question 13

Which nobles were involved in suppressing Wyatt’s rebellion in 1554?

Answer 13

Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Pembroke.

Question 14

Which nobles were involved in suppressing the Northern Earls rebellion in 1569?

Answer 14

• Earl of Sussex
• Lord Hunsdon
• Lord Warwick
• Lord Clinton

Question 15

Which nobles were involved in suppressing the Irish rebellions from 1536-1601?

Answer 15

-Lord Grey
-Lord Mountjoy
Lord Essex

Question 16

How could the nobility undermine the political stability of a monarch’s reign?

Answer 16

• They often led or supported rebellions as they had large households and retainers which could become a private army.
• When they opposed the regime, it could create instability which was especially true for the Irish rebellion which were all noble led (nobles such as the Earl of Tyrone, Kildare and Desmond).
• By the end of the period, the crown gradually weakened noble control in vulnerable areas, such as the North. They became less politically ambitious and more respectful of the law.