Personal rule- economic policy Flashcards
What was the most pressing problem during personal rule?
Raising money whilst avoiding policies that could be seen as illegal or contrary to custom, Charles could not afford to loose the support of JPs and local officials.
How much did the royal household cost?
£260,000 per year, it employed 2000 and there was an appalling amount of waste. The household’s food ration for a day was enough to feed 1962 for a year!
Why was it difficult for Weston to reduce household expenditure?
He could not afford to alienate royal servants, he managed to halt the upward curve of expenditure, but no structural reform of finances was undertaken.
What were the consequences of ending war with Spain?
Led to a huge trade boom as the dutch were excluded from Spanish trade. England gained a monopoly on Iberian trade, leading to a increase in crown revenue, 2/3 of which was accounted for by customs.
Explain distraint of knighthood
All men worth over £40 were meant to come forward during the coronation and be knighted, this had fallen out of practice. Charles revived it an fined all of those who had not been knighted for failing to show support.
How were forest boundaries changed?
Were increased to what they had been 450 years prior, people suddenly found themselves living in royal forests where they could be fined for poaching and farming.
What other measures of fiscal feudalism were introduced?
- Fines for overstaying in London. 2. Fines for building too close to London. 3. Fines for eating meat on lent.
What was the issue with fiscal feudalism?
Unfair and arbitrary, it effected the gentry the most- the very class from whom Charles needed support. It provided no long term solution for financial issues.
What did Charles do to the 1624 statue of monopolies?
Exploited a loophole in it allowing him to grant monopolies to chartedered companies. One unpopular one was a monopoly on soap held by a catholic company, it brought in £29,000 per year for Charles.
What was ship money?
Tax on coastal towns for defense during wartime. In 1634 Charles levied it on all coastal towns and went against all precedent in 1635, levying it on the whole country.
Give three consequences of ship money
- Initially raised £190,000 with only a 2.5% non payment rate. 2. Led to a greater degree of political awareness amongst the masses. 3. Effected the role of sheriffs as they often found themselves still collecting it long after their terms had ended.
What was hampden’s case?
1637, merchant john hampden was brought to trial for refusing to pay ship money, the case aroused national interest and judges only rules 7:5 in favor of Charles.
What were the consequences of hampden’s case?
Was a moral victory for hampden, in 1638 the amount of ship money collected fell 20%, it raised fears over what the money was being used for.
What was the situation like in 1637?
Seemed very calm, the monarchy was solvent, the king was well and had heirs, the county was at peace and it appeared that Charles could continue ruling without parliament.
How was the calmness of 1637 misleading?
- Parliament could not meet, so discontent was not expressed- this didn’t mean there was none. 2. There was a huge upsurge in immigration, with 11 ships of 700 leaving for the new world in 1630.
