Membership of the council/Relationship with Monarch Flashcards
From 1540, how was the membership of the Council changed.
Considerably reduced - fixed to include just the most trusted advisers of the monarch.
Although, in the reigns of Edward VI and Mary - not fully apparent it was a lasting change.
Continued trend under Elizabeth, when Council membership narrowed still further.
How many Council members in Henry VII’s reign
227 members - whom attended only infrequently.
How many Council members in Henry VIII’s reign
1509-1529 (Under Wolsey) = 120 members
1536-1537 = 19
1540 = 19
How many Council members in Edward VI’s reign
1548 = 19
1552 = 31
How many Council members in Mary I’s reign
1553-1558 = 50
How many Council members in Elizabeth I’s reign
1559 = 19
1586 = 19
1597 = 11
1603 = 13
Why did the numbers of the Council members differ?
The fluctuations reflected the individual styles and needs of the monarchs
Why did Council membership change under Edward VI
Grew because Edward was a child, and a larger Council was needed in order to govern the country while the king was too young to do so himself.
How was the Council’s role undermined under Somerset - who controlled Edward?
Somerset preferred to make decisions and rule using men from his own household like Sir John Thynne. These men were loyal to Somerset and given key roles in the king’s household and chamber - allowed to influence Edward.
