Monarchy and Government, 1509-88 Flashcards
studying for history
1
Q
What did the 1536 Act of Succession entail?
A
Passed after Anne’s execution, it declared Elizabeth illegitimate, replacing her in the line of succession with the as of yet unborn heirs of Henry and Jane Seymour.
2
Q
Until 1572, William Cecil was secretary of state. How did this aid him?
A
It meant that he had great influence because it gave him access to Elizabeth and her correspondence.
3
Q
When did Henry VIII marry Anne Boleyn?
A
In 1533, while she was already pregnant by him. The hope was that she would bear a son.
4
Q
How did Mary I’s stubbornness lead to problems during her reign?
A
She was determined to restore the English Church to full Catholicism. Politically this was not an astute move because she failed to realise the complexity of the situation in England after 20 years of reformation. This same stubbornness made her think marrying Philip II was the solution to her problems; this lead to open rebellion in 1554.
5
Q
What did Cromwell’s power, influence and religious convictions paired with his reliance on Henry mean?
A
He had enemies at court, and his positions relied on the support of an increasingly volatile.
6
Q
Why was it so important that Henry fathered a son before he died?
A
He was the son of a usurper and needed to consolidate the dynasty. Without a son, speculations would arise as to who would be king after he died. These speculations could lead to political instability and plots focused on rival claimants; this had happened a lot in the reign of Henry VII.
7
Q
How was parliament used in Henry VIII’s reign to dissolve the monasteries?
A
The smaller monasteries were dissolved by an Act of Parliament in 1536 and a second Act in 1539 dissolved the larger monasteries as well.
8
Q
As legal methods didn’t raise enough to fund Henry’s wars, Wolsey was forced to resort to less legal methods, in particular the Amicable Grant of 1525. What was this?
A
In effect, a forced loan from his taxpayers.
9
Q
Why, despite her brother writing her out of the succession, did Mary Tudor gain popular support in 1553?
A
Because under the laws of the kingdom, and by her father Henry VIII’s will, she was the next in line to the throne.
10
Q
An example of the fact that Mary I’s parliaments were less easy to control was the opposition to two proposed bills in 1555. The second bill, known as the ‘Exiles bill’, proposed that the lands and property of Englishmen who had gone into exile and refused to return could be seized. How was this defeated?
A
It was defeated in a very unusual incident in which Sir Anthony Kingston, MP for Gloucestershire, locked the doors of the HOuse and forced the Speaker to put the bill to a vote before its supporters could arrive.
11
Q
What was required in Tudor times to vote in a county, and what did these requirements mean?
A
It was necessary to own property that brought in an income of at least 40 shillings per year. This meant that voting was restricted to those wealthy enough to own property outright when it happened.
12
Q
The relationship between Henry VIII and his two chief ministers was dictated by Henry’s personality and style of rule. The working relationship between William Cecil (Lord Burghley) and Elizabeth I was also conditioned to her personality and style. What was the difference, then, between Wolsey/Cromwell and Cecil?
A
Cecil was able to sustain his position from 1558 until his peaceful death in 1598. He was from a higher social class- a member of the gentry who had spent his entire career in Royal service.
13
Q
How old was Edward VI when he came to the throne?
A
9
14
Q
How did being created Lord Burghley in 1571 aid Cecil politically?
A
He was then able to sit in the House of Lords, from where he could influence events in the Commons.
15
Q
Though Elizabeth I was not prepared to marry, why did she act as if she was interested in doing so?
A
Because the prospect of marriage was useful as a tool in diplomatic negotiations.
16
Q
Describe the Acts passed by Parliament to dictate religious belief 1536-44.
A
The Act of Ten Articles (1536) promoted a more ‘reformed’ version of faith. The Act of Six Articles (1539) reflected Henry’s aversion to a more conservative doctrine.
17
Q
As religious changes took effect in the 1530s, how did propaganda spread the beliefs adopted by the monarch? Give an example.
A
With public displays, such as a staged battle on the Thames during Henry VIII’s reign between two barges representing the king and the pope. The actors playing the pope and his cardinals were ducked in the river.
18
Q
What did the new powers gained by the Act of Supremacy mean for the monarchs in terms of parliament? Give an example.
A
It meant that monarchs were forced to call parliament more frequently; between 1526-36 there were sessions nearly every year.
19
Q
Like her siblings before her, Elizabeth I was forced by precedent to reverse the changes undertaken by Mary and to restore the Royal Supremacy. Why did she face opposition in 1559 regarding this, and what was the result of said opposition?
A
This was mainly due to religiously conservative peers and bishops in the House of Lords, and may have led to more of a compromise than she had originally intended.
20
Q
Influenced by the dominant reformer faction, what did Henry change about his will in December 1546?
A
He changed it to make provisions for a regency council of 16 men who would rule on behalf of his son. In making this decision, Henry clearly wanted to avoid naming one protector to rule the country.
21
Q
What did the fact that both Wolsey and Cromwell rose from humble beginnings mean?
A
That they were both reliant on Henry VIII for their promotion and for their power, especially because they lacked the traditional landed estates, wealth and rank that other servants of the Crown possessed.
22
Q
What was the result of Wolsey’s national enquiry into the practice of illegal enclosure by landlords 1517-18?
A
On the basis of this enquiry, 264 landlords were prosecuted and 188 verdicts were reached
23
Q
In his role as Lord Chancellor, Wolsey attempted to improve the administration of justice. How did he do this?
A
By prosecuting in Star Chamber local officials who were accused of corruption
24
Q
How did the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth reinforce the idea that God had granted Henry the Royal supremacy, but the people had given Henry VIII the authority to assume the supremacy through parliament?
A
Mary had to repeal the supremacy through parliament, and Elizabeth reasserted it again through another Act of Parliament.
25
What were the four main results of the Reformation parliament meeting more than past parliaments?
The Commons in particular became particularly confident. Groups with particular agendas, such as the Puritans under Elizabeth, began to used parliament as a means of achieving their aims. More meetings meant that local MPs became more confident in expressing their views, and were less easily intimidated by the presence of their monarch. The later Tudor monarchs, especially Elizabeth, had to develop new tactics for managing parliament.
26
How did Henry VIII himself acknowledge the continuing uncertainty of the 1530s/40s?
In the third Act of Succession, he restored both Mary and Elizabeth as heirs to the throne, though never reversed their illegitimacy.
27
Why, for Tudor Monarchs, did progresses through the country increase visibility? Which monarch in particular used this method?
Because they were an opportunity for the monarchs to show themselves and be seen by their people. Elizabeth I, in particular, used this method and went on progresses with her entire court nearly every summer, staying in the houses of leading nobility and local gentry to save money.
28
How many times did Parliament meet under Henry VIII from 1509-1529, and what was its role in this period?
It met four times and, generally, its role was mainly to grant taxation to fund the king's wars.
29
What was the Council?
The Council was a more formal body that had existed since medieval times to advise the monarch. The monarch chose who was on the Council and did not have to take their advice, though it was often in the king's or queen's best interests to at least listen to the Council's views.
30
What were the two main reasons for Cromwell's fall from power in 1540?
He arranged Henry's fourth marriage to a woman he disliked on sight and only married reluctantly, and he was accused of protecting heretical Protestants.
31
Crucially to his success, Elizabeth supported Cecil rather than his critics. How did she reward him?
She rewarded him with the title of Lord Burghley in 1571, and in return for his unwavering loyalty to her she allowed him to build up a network of supporters through patronage.
32
How much did the 'Fifteenths and Tenths' raise for the costs of war?
£117,936
33
Why did it initially not look likely that Mary would be able to claim the throne?
Because Northumberland had control of London, the central offices of government and the navy.
34
The Tudor legal system was comprised of a series of national and local courts of law where most cases were heard. However, there were also 'special' courts of equity. What were these used for?
Trying cases where there was no legal precedent or where circumstances surrounding the case made it difficult to get a fair hearing in one of the main courts. They had the advantage of being much more flexible than common law courts. Examples of these equitable courts included the court of Star Chamber, Chancery (run by the Lord Chancellor) and the king's Council.
35
How did Cromwell fall after his error with Anne of Cleves?
Henry was angry enough that, when Cromwell's enemies among the conservative faction of court took the opportunity to accuse Cromwell of treason and heresy, the King listened to them. Cromwell was tried and executed because his policies no longer suited Henry.
36
Why was the Duke of Buckingham actually executed?
Because he appeared to be plotting treason and raising a private army. It was even the king that wrote to Wolsey telling him to "make good watch" on the Duke.
37
Henry VIII came to the throne aged 17. Why was this unexpected?
Because, until 1502, he had been brought up as a second son who was not expected to become king. This changed when his elder brother, Arthur, died.
38
How much did Wolsey's 1513 subsidy raise for war funds between 1513-23?
£322,099
39
By 1516, what had Cromwell achieved?
He was working for Wolsey.
40
In 1519, Wolsey prosecuted a prominent member of the Cheshire gentry, Sir John Savage, on suspicion that he had been using his local influence to protect his son from murder charges. What was his aim by doing so?
To teach Savage the 'new law of Star Chamber'. He was pardoned, but fined 4000 marks to the crown and lost several of his local offices.
41
Although there was no suggestion that Edward VI shouldn't inherit the throne, what did the changes to Henry's will show?
That the political situation could be manipulated when there was a minor on the throne rather than an adult capable of running the country themselves.
42
Generally, what did Wolsey use the Star Chamber and the court of Chancery for?
To encourage ordinary men to seek justice for their grievances, which led to a huge increase in the workload of these courts.
43
The Courts of Augmentations, First Fruits and Tenths, and General Surveyors were set up for the same purpose. What was this?
To deal with the estates and incomes acquired by the Crown as a result of the break with Rome and the dissolution of the monasteries.
44
When did Henry VIII marry his brother's widow, Catherine of Aragon?
As soon as he inherited the throne in 1509.
45
In the 1530s, Cromwell tried to solve Henry VIII's financial problems by acquiring former monastery lands for the crown. This temporarily raised Crown income to a peak of £126,296 in 1541. Why did this not last?
Because by the end of Henry's reign two thirds of these lands had been sold off.
46
How did the competing factions in Henry VIII's court attempt to influence him?
By placing their supporters in positions where they could influence him, often in the Privy Chamber or Council.
47
What did the Council do asides from advise the monarch?
They also helped the monarch with the day-to-day running of the country and could act as a judicial court.
48
When was the Mortuaries Act?
1529
49
What was the dry stamp?
The dry stamp was a stamp with a raised impression of King Henry VIII's signature. This could be used to make an imprint of his signature on legal documents, which could then be inked in.
50
By 1546, in whose favour had the balance of power between the rival factions in Henry VIII's court swung?
In favour of the reformer faction, lead by the Earl of Hertford.
51
Why did the Commons claim the privilege of freedom of speech within parliament?
Because they feared that without the guarantee that they would be able to speak freely while debating, they could face arrest and imprisonment.
52
The Crown had two main sources of income: ordinary and extraordinary revenue. What was ordinary revenue?
Revenue which came from the royal lands and the monarch's status as a landlord.
53
Why didn't the Duke of Northumberland want Mary to become Queen?
Because she was likely to reverse the religious changes that had occurred, and he would be, at best, removed from power.
54
What did the 1544 Act of Succession entail?
It named Edward as Henry's heir, but also restored Mary and Elizabeth to the royal succession, though not explicitly making them legitimate. It also made provisions for a regency council should Henry die while Edward was still a minor. Under the terms of the Act, the council was to be nominated by Henry in his Will.
55
Why did Elizabeth I learn the harsh realities of politics at an early age?
She was caught up in the plans of Thomas Seymour to marry her without the king's consent. This was treason and so he was executed.
56
Who lead the conservative faction in court, who favoured a return to traditional Catholic forms of worship, during the later part of Henry VIII's reign?
The Duke of Norfolk, his son the Earl of Surrey, and the bishop of Winchester, Stephen Gardiner,
57
Why did the Council become less important politically under Edward VI?
Because government and politics were dominated by the king's protectors who used control of the privy chamber to achieve this.
58
Why weren't the precedents for a situation in which a minor succeeded the throne promising?
The last time it happened, in 1483 with Edward V, the young king had been usurped by his uncle -Richard III- and not seen after that.
59
What did 'king-in-parliament' have authority over that the king alone did not?
The Church.
60
In January 1547, as Henry VIII lay dying, a series of political maneuverings took place through which Hertford was able to enhance his control over the boy king. How was this done via Henry's will?
The will was changed to give the regency council 'full power and authority' to make any decisions necessary to the government of the realm, and to add the 'unfilled gifts' clause that allowed the council to make gifts after Henry's death which he had 'granted, made... or promised'.
61
The Crown had two main sources of income: ordinary and extraordinary revenue. What was extraordinary revenue?
Usually this was taxation granted by parliament for the monarch's special needs, most often the cost of war.
62
What was the Exchequer?
The institution responsible for collecting the Crown's income. It was medieval in origin and by the Tudor period it had become increasingly slow, but reforms under Edward and Mary meant that it became more efficient.
63
What did Wolsey do to protect his position with Henry?
In 1519, he expelled the 'minions' (young gentlemen friendly with Henry) from the household who had too much influence with the king. The Eltham Ordinances in 1526 can also be seen as an attempt to control the Chamber as a rival source of Power.
64
Of Cromwell's four specialised financial courts, only one lasted beyond the Tudor period. What was this, and what happened to the others?
Only the Court of Wards and Liveries survived; the other three were all amalgamated into the Exchequer under Edward VI and Mary I
65
What were the problems that Elizabeth I faced from her parliament mostly because of?
An increasingly confident Commons.
66
What was Cromwell's 'humble beginning'?
HIs background is shadowy, but he was born in London c1485 and was the son of a cloth maker.
67
Why were there concerns when Mary expressed her desire to marry Philip?
Attitudes regarding women led to the assumption that if she married a foreigner, he would rule England and may even take Mary abroad.
68
How did the council change during the Tudor period?
It became increasingly formal and 'professional'.
69
Why were the Acts of Succession significant?
Because they were representative of Parliament's growing importance; this was the first time they had been used in this way to give legal standing to the royal succession. It also shows the political confusion created by Henry's marriages.
70
What were the consequences of the Reformation parliament for the monarchs following Henry VIII?
After parliament had been used to create Royal supremacy and the break with Rome the subsequent monarchs were forced to return to the parliament whenever they wanted to alter the religious and political settlement enforced in the 1530s
71
Popular fears about Mary I's Spanish marriage were partly responsible for Wyatt' s rebellion in 1554. Why was this just because she was a woman?
Because, while marriage to a foreigner may lead to discontent, there would be no fear of a queen consort taking over power as there was with Philip as a king consort.
72
Which position did Cecil gain in 1572, and how long did he have this for?
He became Lord Treasurer, a post he retained to his death
73
What were Mary I's councillors particularly involved in advising her over?
Her marriage and the return to Catholicism, although they did not always agree on these issues.
74
How did Henry VIII determine that his next marriage after Anne Boleyn could not be challenged?
Catherine of Aragon having died in 1536, he annulled his marriage to Anne and had her executed on the charge of adultery.
75
Why was it common for factions to form in the later part of Henry VIII's reign?
Because Tudor monarchs had personal control over the government, so one route to power and influence was by gaining personal access to the monarch.
76
Why did Wolsey reverse his policy on enclosure in 1523?
He had managed to upset the landed nobility and gentry, and reversed his policy as part of a deal with parliament, which tended to represent the interests of the landed elites.
77
Cecil remained dominant in government from the 1560s onwards. What did he do with this power?
A committed Protestant, in the 1570s and 1580s he was one of the chief architects of attempts to tighten controls on English Catholics, despite Elizabeth's reluctance to follow this policy.
78
What were 'matters of state' in parliament?
Things such as Elizabeth's marriage, the succession and religious policy.
79
Women in the 16th century were not thought fit to rule. Who was the only precedent for a female ruler, and why did they not set a good example of female ability to rule?
The 12th century Queen Matilda, whose reign led to a vicious civil war.
80
Like Elizabeth herself, Cecil was a politique. How did his approach to politics help to form the basis of their professional relationship?
They both recognised the need for stability and compromise.
81
What happened to Elizabeth I during Mary I's reign?
In 1554, she was arrested and sent to the Tower as it was suspected that she had played a part in encouraging rebellion against Mary. She was questioned but would admit to nothing and was eventually released to live under house arrest.
82
An example of the fact that Mary I's parliaments were less easy to control was the opposition to two proposed bills in 1555. The first bill proposed that payments made to the Church known as 'First Fruits and Tenths', which Henry VIII had seized, should be returned to the Church. How was this passed despite opposition?
It was only passed by the queen's supporters keeping the House sitting until 3pm, which was unusually late for parliamentary business. By this time, the bill's opponents seemed to have left for lunch.
83
What did the fact that Elizabeth allowed Cecil to build up a network of supporters through patronage mean for him?
It meant that he never became politically isolated and was not completely dependent on the queen's whims for political survival as Wolsey and Cromwell had been. He was never more powerful than her, however.
84
Cromwell was named vicegerent in spirituals by Henry VIII in 1534. What did this give him the power to do, and how did he use said power?
Though he was not a churchman, it gave him the power to shape the religion of the country. He used propaganda and a preaching campaign in churches to introduce reformer ideas more widely across England. He was also the architect of the dissolution of the monasteries in the period 1536-39.
85
What was the subject of Wolsey's national enquiry 1517-18?
It was to investigate the practice of illegal enclosure by landlords
86
In 1569, there was a court based plot to remove Cecil from power. Who was included in this plot?
Those of the nobility with catholic sympathies, such as the Duke of Norfolk, as well as the Protestant Earl of Leicester, who also distrusted Cecil's power.
87
When was the Act in Conditional Restraint of Annates?
1532
88
How did historian Jennifer Loach counter Neale's arguments about Protestant opposition?
She showed that both of the 1555 parliamentary incidents were the result of fears surrounding property rights, something that would have particularly concerned the representatives of the land-owning elites in parliament. For 'the First Fruits and Tenths', the level of taxation may have to be raised, which was never popular. For the 'Exiles bill', although many of those who'd gone abroad in Mary's reign had Protestant learnings and wanted to avoid persecution, the Commons was more concerned about protecting property rights in general.
89
How did Mary's interaction with the Council follow the trend seen in Henry's reign?
Although she had 50 named councillors, only 19 of these were 'working' councillors who were meeting three or four times a week.
90
In the 16th century, monarchs were still in control of the government and the monarchy passed by the rule of primogeniture from father to son. Give an example of the power that the monarch possessed.
They could choose whether to go to war or to make peace and could also summon and dismiss parliament at will.
91
Why was there extra pressure on Elizabeth I to marry and produce an heir?
Because she was the last of the Tudor dynasty; it would end with her unless she produced an heir.
92
How much did the role of Star Chamber expand under Wolsey?
In Henry VII's reign, on average 12 cases were heard per year. Under Wolsey this grew to 120.
93
What is an example of the fact that Wolsey's grand schemes were too ambitious?
Although he encouraged cases to be brought into the Star Chamber, this led to a backlog that Wolsey, distracted by war and diplomacy, failed to clear.
94
What did Cecil do as Lord Treasurer?
He organised the Council, managed parliament, controlled the exchequer and was a Justice of the Peace in five counties.
95
What is significant about the fact that Henry went on a progress to the North of England in 1541 (which included a stay at York)?
It was partially a response to the northern-based rebellion (The Pilgrimage of Grace) of 1536 and further unrest in 1541. It showed the importance of the physical presence of the monarch to both impress and intimidate the local population
96
Wolsey was a clever administrator and rapidly rose further than a member of the king's council. How did he do this?
By co-ordinating the war effort against France in 1512-14.
97
What did the 1534 Act of Succession entail?
The 1534 Act of Succession reinforced the judgement of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury that Henry's marriage to Catherine was invalid and that Mary was therefore illegitimate.
98
Which of the Duke of Buckingham's actions alarmed Henry VIII and ultimately led to the Duke's death
In 1521, he requested a licence to visit his lands in Wales with 400 armed men. This alarmed Henry because his actions seemed to threaten potential rebellion. Shortly afterwards, Stafford
99
How did Mary and Elizabeth fare as female rulers?
Though attitudes to dominant females in society made it harder for them to assert their authority, ultimately both were able to do so. Both faced challenges to their rule but survived, despite the problematic issue of marriage and the succession creating enormous difficulties.
100
From who in particular did Wolsey have rivals for his power?
From the gentlemen of the Privy Chamber
101
How many parliamentary sessions did Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I hold? (in order)
Henry: 9. Edward: 2. Mary: 5. Elizabeth: 6.
102
How did Wolsey help Henry VIII to afford foreign war?
He introduced a new form of taxation, the subsidy, which allowed the king to collect more taxation from his subjects.
103
When did Henry VIII marry Jane Seymour?
May 1536
104
Parliamentary pressure was brought to bear on Elizabeth, such as the discussions about the succession and her marriage in 1563/66 or debates over the fate of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1572/86-87. Why was this not entirely due to the parliament itself?
Because these were the result of the Council having used parliament to force the indecisive elizabeth into a decision,
105
Which key act of the reformation parliament happened in 1532?
The Act in Conditional Restraint of Annates.
106
Why was the royal court important for display?
Because it was important for the Tudor monarchs to emphasise thier power and wealth to important visitors, and the court allowed them to do this through elaborate and expensive displays such as tournaments and plays.
107
What did historian John Guy argue about Wolsey's relationship with Henry VIII?
That Wolsey did not usurp power from Henry; he was only allowed to wield it for as long as he was useful. As long as he was able to fulfil the king's wishes, he remained in power.
108
Why was Wolsey forced to withdraw the Amicable Grant?
Because, on top of the as of yet unrepaid 'loans' that had raised £260,000 and already high levels of taxation, the Amicable Grant resulted in rebellion.
109
What were the Eltham Ordinances?
A series of reforms introduced by Wolsey in 1526. They included plans for the council and household, as well as a reduction of the number of men serving in the privy chamber. Wolsey claimed that these reforms were an attempt to improve royal finances, but they were really an excuse for him to purge the chamber of those he saw as enemies.
110
Why do most historians now agree that Cromwell should not be credited with creating a "Tudor revolution in government"?
Because the changes to the Privy Council happened despite not because of him, and the Council that emerged in 1537 was full of his political enemies such as the duke of Norfolk.
111
What happened to Cromwell in 1531?
He became a member of the king's council.
112
What does the growth of the House of Commons in Elizabeth's reign help to explain?
It explains why the Council felt the need to 'manage' parliamentary business more.
113
How, as an adult active monarch, was Henry able to control the factions in his court?
He balanced the competing groups and played them off against each other.
114
How did Mary know that Northumberland had been lying when telling her that he'd support her claim to be Queen after Edward died? What did she then do to ensure that he wouldn't capture and likely kill her?
She had spies at court who informed her, and instead of riding to London, she travelled to her estates in East Anglia, arriving at Kenninghall in Norfolk. There she heard of Edwards demise.
115
The events of the 1530s created the notion of 'king-in-parliament'. What was this?
The idea that the most powerful institution in the country was the king acting in conjunction with parliament rather than without it.
116
It has been estimated that the income from Crown lands in 1515 was £25,000 per annum. In contrast, how much did Henry's war against france in 1512-14 cost?
Around £1,000,000
117
Even with some considerable boosts to the Crown's income, the monarchy rarely had enough money. What did they often have to resort to because of this?
Parliamentary taxation and other, more legally dubious, sources of income.
118
In 1569, even more serious than the court-based plot against him, the northern rebels wanted to remove Cecil from power. Why was this?
Because he was pro-Protestant and they resented the amount of influence he had with the queen.
119
Like Wolsey, Cromwell was only able to act while he had the king's support. From 1532-36, their interests converged. How so?
Henry wanted a divorce and Cromwell, who was a convinced religious reformer, wanted to advance changes to the Catholic Church.
120
How did Cromwell get an education?
He left England in his teens and served as a soldier in the French army. He learned about accountancy and the law, though had no formal training as a lawyer.
121
Historian Sir John Neale argued for the existence of a 'Puritan choir' in Elizabeth's parliament. What was this?
The 'choir', Neale argued, was a small group of religiously radical Protestants who had returned from exile under Mary and were determined to use Parliament to create a more extreme religious settlement than Elizabeth wanted.
122
Cecil was responsible for setting up a Protestant government in Scotland. What was the effect of this, and how did he achieve it despite Elizabeth's initial reluctance to intervene in foreign affairs?
It neutralised the threat from England's traditional enemy, and he threatened to resign to change her mind.
123
What has historian Michael Graves' research on key individuals of Sir John's idea of a 'Puritan choir' shown?
That most were not religious radicals at all, and nor were they as organised as as organised as Neale claimed.
124
Until the 1530s, the Council was still a fairly large institution of perhaps 40 members, most of whom would not attend on a regular basis. How had Wolsey planned to change this?
In 1526, he was planning the Eltham Ordinances to reduce this to twenty men who would meet daily.
125
What was the result of Wolsey using the Star Chamber and the court of Chancery to encourage ordinary men to seek justice for their grievances?
It led to a huge increase in the workload of these courts.
126
What was Wolsey's 'humble beginning'?
He was the son of an Ipswich butcher.
127
What did historian Sir John Neale use the opposition to the proposed bills of 1555 to argue for?
A growth in organised Protestant opposition led by independent MPs in the Commons, which would become more apparent in Elizabeth's reign.
128
Which legal methods did Wolsey use to try and raise enough for Henry's desire for war?
He introduced a subsidy (a new form of parliamentary taxation) in 1513 which was based on an assessment of each individual's wealth. Additional money was raised through 'traditional' taxation; the Fifteenths and Tenths.
129
Ultimately, when did Wolsey's position first seriously come under threat?
From 1527, when he was unable to give Henry his divorce from Catherine of Aragon.
130
How did Mary I's health affect her ability to rule effectively?
She suffered from anxiety and depression and her desire to bear a son and heir led to phantom pregnancies which kept her closeted in her chambers.
131
Though Elizabeth reaped the benefits of reforms under Northumberland and Mary, she did little to change the financial system. What was her main contribution?
She ended the debasement of the coinage, which had begun under Mary
132
What was the purpose of often extravagant 'disguisings' such as tournaments?
To emphasise the power, wealth and legitimacy of the Tudor dynasty.
133
Why didn't the Duke of Northumberland want Elizabeth to become Queen?
Because she would probably reject any attempts to control her as he had done her younger brother.
134
Give an example of how Wolsey used his power and position to prosecute personal feuds.
Sir Robert Sheffield, when he was Speaker of the House of Commons in 1512, had been critical of Wolsey. He was sent to the Tower and fined £5333 for 'opprobrious words'.
135
How did the Reformation parliament, in some ways, mark a turning point? What was the result of this?
It marked a turning point in the frequency with which parliament met.
136
What were the Acts of Succession?
They were passed by Henry VIII's parliaments and made changes to the line of succession and to the legitimacy of his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth.
137
What was the belief behind Henry's Royal Supremacy?
The theory was that God had granted Henry the Royal supremacy, but the people had given Henry VIII the authority to assume the supremacy through parliament.
138
Wolsey was a clever administrator and rapidly rose further than a member of the king's council by co-ordinating the war effort against France in 1512-14. Which position did he then gain in 1514?
In 1514, he was made archbishop of York.
139
Why were the rival claimants the 'White Rose Party' often harshly dealt with during Henry VIII's reign?
Because they were from the Yorkist line and had a good claim to the throne while Henry VIII struggled to produce a living male heir.
140
Which key act of the reformation parliament happened in 1529?
The Mortuaries Act.
141
What was Cromwell's genius idea regarding Henry's desire for annulment?
He realised that he could use parliament to give it to him. By passing Acts of Parliament, the break with Rome was made legal under English law and anyone who broke the law could be punished.
142
After exploiting the anti-clerical feeling in parliament in 1532, leading to the first steps in breaking from the pope and Rome, Cromwell drafted the Act in Restraint of Appeals. What did this do?
It created the mechanism that would stop Catherine appealing to the pope over Henry's head.
143
Alongside his religious reforms, how did Cromwell enhance royal power in 1536?
Through changes to the government of England and Wales, though most historians now agree that he should not be credited with creating a "Tudor revolution in government".
144
How did Mary and her council attempt to calm fears regarding her potential marriage to Philip, king of Spain?
By drawing up a marriage treaty (in 1554) that protected her power in England. Philip would have title of king, but would only assist Mary. Should she die first, he would not rule on his own and his son by an earlier marriage would have no claim to the throne. Any children of their marriage would inherit. He wasn't allowed to appoint foreigners to positions in English government, or draw England into wars between Spain and France.
145
Wolsey was a clever administrator and rapidly rose further than a member of the king's council by co-ordinating the war effort against France in 1512-14. Which positions did he then gain in 1515?
In 1515, the pope made Wolsey a cardinal, and in the same year he became Lord chancellor of England, meaning that he was in charge of the judicial system.
146
The supposed leader in Neale's idea of a 'Puritan choir' was Thomas Norton. What has research shown about this?
Norton was a moderate Puritan who was actually working as a parliamentary manager for William Cecil. He is quoted to say 'All that I have done I did by commandment of the House, and specially of the queen's Council there, and my chiefest care was in all things to be directed by the Council'.
147
Why does Sir John Neale's argument for the existence of a 'Puritan choir' not fit the available evidence?
Because, as historian Norman Jones has shown, there were at most 25 Puritan MPs, only four of which had returned in time for th 1559 parliament.
148
Wolsey was a clever administrator and rapidly rose further than a member of the king's council by co-ordinating the war effort against France in 1512-14. Which position did he then gain in 1518?
He received the title from the pope of 'legate a latere', making him a papal legate.
149
Why was Cecil's career under Elizabeth so long?
They were both naturally cautious and pragmatic people.
150
In 1587, what did Cecil do that caused him to be in disgrace from Elizabeth for weeks (though he recovered)?
He supported the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.
151
How was Parliament structured in Tudor times?
It had two chambers: the unelected House of Lords, where hereditary peers and bishops sat, and the House of Commons, which was filled with elected MPs. Two MPs were elected to represent each country of England, and some boroughs (towns) also had the right to send MPs to Parliament.
152
What was significant about Henry VIII's marriage to Jane Seymour?
She was the only one to bear him a surviving son; Edward. Unfortunately, she died shortly after.
153
What did a bill need to do to pass an Act of Parliament?
It had to be heard in both the Commons and the Lords before being given royal assent by the monarch.
154
How was financial policy driven under Henry VIII?
By the king's desire to go to war and the costs that this entailed.
155
What did Edward's 'the device for the succession' entail?
It was a document written and altered by Edward as his illness progressed. Originally, he had hoped to marry and have a son of his own, but still outlined his plans for if he died childless. He thought that there would be time for either the Duchess of Suffolk or her eldest daughter, Jane, to have a son who could become his next in line. As he lay dying in late May 1553 without them having done so, he changed it so that Jane would inherit the throne first if there was not time for Frances or Jane to produce a son.
156
Why, by 1517, was parliament's less keen approach to taxation due to the MPs being landowners?
Because, as landowners, the MPs feared that too much taxation would lead to rebellion.
157
How and when did Edward VI die?
In 1553, he fell ill with a feverish cold that rapidly developed into incurable pulmonary tuberculosis.
158
Although Wolsey's plan for the Eltham ordinances did not go through, how was a similar goal achieved?
By 1537 a council such as the one he had planned for emerged; this became known as the Privy Council.
159
How was Henry VIII influenced by Renaissance ideas of 'honour'?
He wanted to defend English rights abroad. A Renaissance prince was supposed to be an accomplished fighter, which appealed to Henry who also enjoyed military sports such as jousting.
160
Cromwell created four specialised financial courts to handle the increased flow of money to the crown. What were these called?
The Courts of Augmentation, First Fruits and Tenths, Wards and Liveries and General Surveyors.
161
What was the usual cause when rebellions occurred in the tudor period?
They were usually aimed at the ruler's policies or at their counsellors for poor advice.
162
In 1536, how did events lead to Cromwell being forced to end his preaching campaign in 1538?
The dissolution of the smaller monasteries created the most serious rebellion of the reign (The Pilgrimage of Grace), with some 30,000 rebels involved who named Cromwell personally in their complaints. This, combined with the fact that Henry himself was no religious reformer, led to the end of Cromwell's preaching campaign.
163
How, as a woman in a man's world, did Elizabeth I use her gender to her advantage?
She encouraged the notion of courtly love and the development of the idea of her as the 'Virgin Queen' from the late 1570s. Posing as desirable, yet beyond reach, she could control her male courtiers rather than have them control her.
164
Other than via Henry's will, how was Hertford able to enhance his control over the boy king?
Henry's death on28 January 1547 was kept secret for three days while negotiations, including custody and control of Edward, took place. The regency named by Henry voted to make Hertford Edward's protector.
165
By the 1590s, the Council had become an essential part of government which handled much of the day to day business of the realm. Why did this not mean that the monarch was sidelined?
Because he/she still appointed the councillors and could dismiss them at will.
166
Why, when Henry VIII succeeded his father Henry VII in 1509, was the Tudor claim to the throne not strong?
Because Henry VII had won the monarchy in battle, so the claim was not strong although it was commonly accepted that the victor in battle was chosen by God to rule. Henry VII's claim to the throne was through his mother, a descendent of King Edward III.
167
Under Edward VI, what was parliament used to do?
Continue and accelerate the Protestant reformation.
168
The parliamentary Commons tended to ignore Elizabeth I's wishes. What was the result of this?
This led to tensions. For example, in 1566 the council was forced to allow parliament time to debate marriage and succession. In return, parliament agreed to discuss a grant of taxation, which it had threatened to withhold.
169
How did Henry's extravagent expenditure not help his financial situation?
He spent more than £100,000 on building at Hampton Court and Whitehall, while the royal household in the 1550s was costing £75,000 a year to run.
170
Why did Henry VIII restore both Mary and Elizabeth as heirs to the throne?
Because he knew from experience that it was not certain that Edward would survive, despite him seeming healthy. With Mary and Elizabeth, he could ensure the continuation of the Tudor dynasty through their children.
171
What was the relationship between monarch and parliament in the 1590s?
Strained due to the political tensions of the last decade of Elizabeth's reign.
172
What did the fact that, by 1546, Henry VIII's declining health meant that he could no longer control the rival factions in his Chamber and Council lead to?
Political instability that was a potential threat to the Tudor succession and the power of the Tudor monarchy.
173
Why did the Duke of Northumberland want Lady Jane Gray to be Queen, asides from how neither Mary or Elizabeth were likely to support him?
He didn't want Mary to reverse the religious changes that England had undergone, and was also Lady Jane Grey's father in law, his son Sir Guildford Dudley having married her.
174
What was the flaw in Cromwell arranging Henry's fourth marriage to the Protestant Anne of Cleves?
He disliked her on sight, calling her 'the Flanders mare' and only went through with the marriage reluctantly. By this point he had already fallen for young and pretty Katherine Howard, niece of the conservative duke of Norfolk. The conservative faction took advantage of this all to influence Henry against Cromwell.
175
What did Wolsey's contemporary critics use his social background to accuse him of?
Undermining the power of members of the traditional nobility and gentry, such as the Duke of Buckingham, merely because he resented them.
176
In the age of personal monarchy, the king and queen had clearly defined roles: the king should rule his country, dispense justice and defend the realm by leading his troops into battle. The queen's consort role was to be his wife, provide a son and heir, and to intercede with the king for peace and mercy. What happened, then, when Mary came to the throne?
It was expected that she would need a husband to take care of traditional kingly duties which, as a woman, she wasn't thought able to perform. She seemed to also take this view as she began negotiations for a marriage to Charles V's son, Philip. At 37, she'd need to marry quickly to stand any chance of bearing a son and heir to carry on the Catholic reformation she had planned.
177
What did the Commons raising the issue of marriage and the succession with Elizabeth (in 1563 and 1566) lead to?
It led to some conflict between the queen and her parliaments concerning their right to freedom of speech. Elizabeth argued that parliament was free to discuss matters of the 'commonweal', but that it did not have the right to discuss 'matters of state'.
178
Why was Wolsey, son of an Ipswich butcher, clearly smart?
Because he was sent to Magdalen College, Oxford and then embarked on a career in the Church.
179
In 1539-40, Cromwell made a serious tactical error that angered Henry and eventually led to his downfall. What was this?
He attempted to create a Protestant alliance in Europe against the threat of a united Franco-Spanish invasion by negotiating a marriage with Anne of Cleves.
180
In 1536, how did Cromwell survive Anne's downfall?
He still had the king's support.
181
Which key acts of the reformation parliament happened in 1534? (there are seven)
Act for the Submission of the Clergy, Act in Absolute Restraint of Annates, Dispensations Act, First Succession Act, Act of Supremacy, Act of the First Fruits and Tenths, Treason Act.
182
Overall, what was Elizabeth's relationship with parliament?
Despite some areas of dispute, Elizabeth and parliament were on the same side. Her attempts to restrict their freedom of speech were as much to do with her views on her royal prerogative as an attempt to reduce parliament's powers, and parliamentary pressure of Elizabeth was often due to the Council having used parliament to force her into making a decision.
183
Influenced by reformer ideas, Cromwell had strong religious convictions. How is this mirrored in the process of Henry's annulment from Catherine of Aragon?
Working with the faction that formed around Anne Boleyn, Cromwell was able to manipulate proceedings in a way that allowed Henry to achieve his annulment but also steered England towards a reformed church.
184
What was Wolsey's "main contribution" to Henry?
His organisational abilities, which allowed Henry first to afford foreign war and then to play international peacemaker.
185
Why was Edward VI's decision-making process regarding the succession influenced by John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland?
Because he had taken Hertford's place as Edward's protector in 1550.
186
Cromwell was a highly intelligent, hard-working political survivor. How is this shown?
When Wolsey fell from power, Cromwell was able to recover quickly, becoming a member of Henry's Council by 1531.
187
What did the Earl of Hertford, leader of the reformer faction, do with the power he had in court in 1546-47?
He placed men loyal to him in key positions in the Privy Chamber, where they had direct access to the king. These men included Sir John Gates and Gates' brother in law Sir Anthony Denny, who between them controlled access to the dry stamp.
188
By 1531, all attempts to persuade the Pope to grant a divorce had failed. What was this largely due to?
The fact that the Pope was under the control of Charles V, Catherine of Aragon's nephew.
189
How did the Privy Council reach its peak during Elizabeth's reign?
Its membership was honed down to about a dozen key individuals, and by the 1590s these men were meeting nearly every day, sometimes in both the morning and the afternoon.
190
What was the privy chamber?
It was actually a series of rooms where the royal family lived. Historian David Starkey's research has shown that, under Henry VIII, the privy chamber became an important political hub. It had its own staff: the gentlemen of the privy chamber, the most important of which was 'the groom of the stool', in charge of the royal 'commode' (toilet).
191
What was Cromwell's end?
Arrested on 10 June 1540, he was executed on 28 July for treason.
192
Why was Henry VIII's claim to the throne stronger than his father's?
Because he had a combination of Yorkist and Lancastrian blood from his parents, and his father had been the King. (dad Lancaster, mum York)
193
Why were gentlemen of the privy chamber important and not just servants?
Because of their intimate and daily physical contact with Henry, they also became his advisers and were often employed in more formal areas of government. For example, between 1520-25, gentlemen of the privy chamber were sent on diplomatic missions to France and on a military expedition against the Scots.
194
What was the court?
The royal court served the monarch, following them everywhere. They were important for display and entertainment, and were an informal source of power.
195
By Elizabeth's reign, how had the Privy Council's role grown in importance?
By then it was responsible for much of the day to day running of the country, especially legal and administrative matters.
196
Who lead the reformer faction in court, who favoured more reform to make the English Church more Protestant, during the later part of Henry VIII's reign?
Edward Seymour (Jane's brother and Earl of Hartford) and Thomas Cranmer (Archbishop of Canterbury).
197
In Elizabeth's reign, parliament was becoming more assertive in some areas of policy. Give an example of this.
In 1563 and 1566, the Commons raised the issue of marriage and the succession with the queen, which would have been unimaginable during Henry VIII's reign,
198
What was the Court of Wards and Liveries?
It was set up to deal with the estates and heirs of tenants of the monarch. Under Elizabeth I it was run by William Cecil; the position allowed him to build up enormous personal wealth.
199
Who was Catherine of Aragon's only surviving child?
A girl, Princess Mary.
200
What did people gain from coming to the royal court in search of patronage?
Those who succeeded in gaining patronage at court could then build up enormous power and wealth, though they remained dependent on access to the court to secure this.
201
Why, to be successful, could a monarch not ignore the traditions and customs of England or the laws made by Parliament?
Because monarchs who tried to rule entirely as they pleased risked being usurped and being labelled tyrants. This had happened to Richard II in 1399. It was expected that, while a monarch would be able to choose their own friends and counsellors, they would also listen to their advice though not necessarily act on it.
202
How did Wolsey use the profits of his office to live in a grand style?
HIs household numbered 500 men, nearly as big as the king's, and his building at Hampton Court was so magnificent that contemporaries called him an 'alter rex'- another king.
203
What happened to Wolsey from 1525 onwards?
From 1525, his relationship with Henry began to deteriorate, especially once he was unable to secure the annulment of Henry's marriage to Catherine. By 1529, he had outlived his usefulness to the king; accused of praemunire, he was stripped of his possessions and banished from court. A year later, on his way to trial, Wolsey died.
204
Which common method for advancing from the lower ranks in society did Wolsey, son of an Ipswich butcher, use?
Advancement through the church structure.
205
206
Why did the Duke Of Buckingham, Edward Stafford, have reason to plot against Henry VIII?
He was descended from Edward III and so had a claim to the throne?
207
How old was Mary I when she came to the throne?
37
208
What happened for parliament each time the Act of Supremacy was reinforced?
Parliament gained more power, though it was never more powerful than the monarch.
209
What were 16th century attitudes to female rulers?
Women were thought inferior to men; Eve was borne of Adam's rib and had led him into temptation, therefore women were lesser and not to be trusted. The only time that a woman, Queen Matilda, had inherited the throne (1135), she had been challenged by her male cousin Stephen, which led to 18 years of civil war. This did not set a good precedent for female leadership.
210
How did Wolsey mismanage the financial crisis of 1522-23?
He lectured parliament in an attempt to get a higher rate of taxation from them, before turning to the non-parliamentary Amicable Grant.
211
Why, in many cases, were MPs elected uncontested in Tudor England?
Members of the nobility commonly exercised patronage to ensure their clients were elected.
212
Which important powers did Parliament have by the time of the Tudor period?
The sole right to grant taxation (i.e. to supplement the monarch's income for war or another emergency) and the sole right to pass laws (though the monarch could veto any they disliked)
213
Enclosure became a social and economic trend, common in the 15th and 16th centuries. What was it?
It involved landlords taking over areas of common land and enclosing them with hedges or fences. This was often associated with the move away from arable farming to sheep farming. Tudor theorists often blamed enclosure for poverty, unemployment and vagrancy.
214
How was it that Mary was able to declare herself queen despite Northumberland's control?
She had already attracted popular support to her cause, and had loyal supporters in her own household who hopes to see the return of the Catholic faith to England. Additionally, she had the support of religiously conservative gentry and nobility, and towns were beginning to change allegiance to Mary. When Northumberland left London to deal with this, the Privy council changed their mind and ordered him arrested, declaring openly for Mary the next day. Ultimately, her legal claim to the throne mattered more than her gender.
215
In 1523, what significant thing happened to Cromwell?
He became an MP.
216
What did Wolsey accomplish in 1509?
In 1509, he was an almoner (distributor of money to the poor) to Henry VIII and became a member of the king's council in the same year, under the patronage of Richard Fox.
217
Though Elizabeth's natural caution meant that she avoided costly warfare before 1585, after this war with Spain led to high levels of taxation. How was this situation made worse by her?
Elizabeth and her advisors did nothing to reform the system of taxation, resulting in a decrease in returns of £60,000 in just five years. This in turn led to Elizabeth's controversial exploitation of her royal prerogative, which soured the last years of her reign.
218
The Privy Council that emerged by 1537 did so without Cromwell's planning. Why did it emerge in the first place?
It appeared as an unplanned response to the political crisis of 1536 when Henry VIII was faced with serious rebellion and needed a small council of trusted men to give rapid and clear advice.
219
Why, asides from moral reasons, would Edward VI worry about the fact that, under the 1534 Act of Succession, Mary had been bastardised?
Her dubious legitimacy could be manipulated by potential rivals to the throne and lead to political instability.
220
Name an occasion where a Tudor faced opposition from their parliament.
Supporters of Catherine of Aragon attempted to stop the parliamentary process that would lead to the break with Rome. In 1532, opposition to the Annates bill forced Henry to come to parliament himself so that his presence would intimidate the Commons to support the legislation.
221
Mary I's decision to marry Philip was driven by a combination of dynastic and religious considerations. Why, in many ways, was he the obvious choice?
He would not bring about jealousy/rivalry at court as a member of the English nobility would. As a king she would be marrying her equal in rank. Mary was half-spanish herself and Philip was her cousin. He was a devout Catholic. Spain was a good ally as a counterbalance to French dominance and as a vital trade link for the English cloth trade.
222
Why, in terms of religion, did Edward VI not want the throne to go to his sister Mary?
Because he was a committed Protestant and knew that, were the throne to pass to Catholic Mary, the reformation could be reversed.
223
Cecil was responsible for negotiating a peace treaty with Scotland in 1560. What did this treaty do?
It remov
224
What were matters of the 'commonweal' in parliament?
Matters concerning the common good of the country, such as poverty.
225
What did Parliament do under Mary I?
It reversed the religious changes seen under Edward and Henry, and returned England to Rome.
226
Under the protectorate of Northumberland and then the rule of Mary, some attempts were made to put the Crown on a more sound financial footing. How so?
More Crown lands were sold off to reduce debt. Under Mary, Crown income from customs, which had remained the same since 1507, was reformed, increasing income from duties on imports and exports from £25,900 in 1550-51 to £82,797 in 1558-59.
227
Tudor society was hierarchical in nature, with emphasis placed on the importance of obedience to the monarch as the pinnacle of society and God's representative on earth. One common way in which this was expressed was in the 'Great Chain of Being'. What did this depict?
All members of society having their place and being dependent on each other. This idea emphasised that God had created an ordered society and that obedience was owed to those higher up the social scale.
228
Cecil is thought to be behind the 1559 document 'Device for Aleration of Religion'. What did this do?
It set out the religious problems faced by Elizabeth and proposed a settlement as soon as possible.
