Parliament 1603-21 Flashcards
What debate was there over Buckingham’s position at the start of James’ reign?
In 1604 Sir Francis Goodwin won Buckingham position but James and Court wanted Sir John Fortescue. Parliament wanted Goodwin and so it was decided a new election should be held as James felt his royal prerogative was threatened.
What was Shirley’s Case?
Shirley’s Case, 1604: Shirley, MP, arrested for debt so Governor of Fleet Debtor’s Prison sent to Tower until released. James couldn’t arrest MPs freely excluding felonies and treason.
What was the debate over union?
Union 1604-07: James wanted an England-Scotland Union but Parliament feared the impact this would have on English laws and saw the Scottish as backwards. At a conciliatory meeting between the Commons and Lords in 1604 and 1606-7 the decision was rejected due to confusion over status of Scottish citizens.
What debate occurred over purveyance?
Purveyance, royal family could buy at discount with horse delivery. Sir Robert Cecil suggested £50,000 compensation to end it while others argued £20,000 was too much. James saw purveyance as his prerogative and decreed to prevent corruption in purveyance.
What did Commons propose for wardships?
Commons wanted royal right to wardships but Court of Wards licensed them to family if a landowner died with heir under 21, ward of court. £60,000 p.a. brought in but bribes often accepted by court and licences abused.
What were impositions? What happened with John Bates of Levant Company?
Impositions extra customs duties on top of duties. Went to James’ revenue. John Bates of Levant Company refused to pay this on currants, 1606, but at Court of Exchequer case was rejected and new impositions produced.
What Apology was issued in 1606?
1606 Apology of the House of Commons discussed freedom of speech, religion, from arrest, ability to discuss religion and make decisions, purveyance+wardships, kept private.
What was conspicuous consumption? How did household spending rise?
1603 spending p.a. was £64,000 rising to £114,000 by 1610. Spending on wardrobe from £9000 to £36,000. James spent on favourites such as James Hay, Earl of Carlisle. Conspicuous consumption with double dinners occurred with double dinners where 20 course meals were shown and thrown away. £3300 was spent once on a meal with duck, swan, and six 2m salmons. £400,000 on Hay spent.
Describe 1614 Addled Parliament.
1614 Addled Parliament, James accused of using undertakers to get MPs friendly to royal court. James needed money for Henry’s funeral, (1612), and Elizabeth’s wedding. Parl focused on impositions. Bishop Neile of Lincoln wrote angry letter to Commons so they retaliated. No subsidies, by June 1614 shut down.
What was the Overbury Scandal?
Robert Carr, Earl of Rochester, had affair with Lady Essex. Wanted to marry when she divorced Earl of Essex. Sir Thomas Overbury tried to intervene so offered ambassadorship by James abroad. Sent to tower in 1615 on poor charges. Lady Essex sent poisoned pie and James pardoned them on murder charges. Carr replaced by Villiers and James lost respect.
Who was George Villiers?
George Villiers Chief Minister 1618-28. Became Duke of Buckingham 1623 and gave patronage such as peerage, titles, pensions etc. Knighthoods fell to £30 and baronets to £1600. Nobility and gentry upset at being devalued and Buckingham’s values such as Spain weren’t fixed.
Which factions dominated the courts?
Howards were pro-Spanish Catholics, led by Earl of Northampton. Anti-Howards included Abbott, Archbishop of Canterbury. Buckingham introduced in 1615 and by 1618 Howards removed from power.
What was the Cockayne Project?
Cockayne Project 1615-17: Alderman Cockayne suggested sending finished cloth to North Europe, Merchant Adventurers became King Merchant Adventurers for £10,000 loan but lacked money for wool, couldn’t make cloth, and didn’t have contacts to sell. Merchant Adventurers had to buy back and cloth industry collapsed in 1618 harming sheep shearers. Loans to crown dried up.
