Problems facing HVII: The Nobility Flashcards
Why did HVII need to win the support of the nobility?
He would depend on them to maintain law and order
How did the nobility become more powerful in the 15th Century?
They gained lands at the expense of the crown during the Wars of the Roses
What three things did the nobility depend on?
Land
Wealth
Power
How many attainders did HVII pass?
138
How many attainders did HVII reverse?
46
How many attainders did HVII pass 1504-1509?
51
What was an act of attainder?
An act of parliament used to declare someone guilty of treason without trial
Who did HVII attaint in his first Parliament?
His opponents at Bosworth
Why did HVII abandon EIV’s policy of distributing lands to loyal followers?
He was concerned not to create a new group of nobles who could threaten his authority
By what percentage did the number of nobles fall during HVII’s reign?
25%
Why did HVII look to men of lower status?
They would be dependent on him for their status
What happened to vacant lands?
They were absorbed by HVII, making him the largest landowner
Why did both EIV and HVII regard retainers as a lawless element?
They were, in practice, used as gangs of enforcers, pressuring tenants and intimidating juries
When did HVII pass anti-retaining legislation? And what did each act do?
1485: Required nobles to swear an oath not to retain
1504: Required nobles to have a license to retain
What was the fine for retaining?
£5 per month per illegal retainer
