Relations With Nobility

Question 1

What made ‘Overmighty Subjects’ a threat to Henry?

Answer 1

• Many had private armies giving them the military power to overthrow Henry
• Limiting their power would secure more loyalty for his future heirs
• Many of them earned money from lands - taxes that were going to them and not Henry

Question 2

What were Henry’s aims when when handling Overmighty Subjects?

Answer 2

1. Securing a dynasty
2. Eliminating/neutralising threats
3. Augmenting/strengthening royal finances

Question 3

How did the Acts of Attainder help Henry consolidate power?

Answer 3

• Made lots of nobility lose right to possess their land
• Land was confiscated and given to Henry
• Helped crown finances and established control - Henry was now the main land owner, could tax land
• Harsh payments were enforced if attainders were reversed e.g. Thomas Tyrell had to pay £1,738
• Also helped eliminate threats as number of nobility shrunk

Question 4

How did bonds and recognisances help Henry consolidate power?

Answer 4

Bond = promise of good behaviour, fined if broken
Recognisance = formal agreement that you owe debt

• Between 1485 and 1509 36/62 noble families gave bonds/recognisances to Henry
• e.g. Thomas Grey ordered to pay a recognisance of £1000 in 1492 as he was not trusted by Henry
• augmented finances and eliminated threats as distrusted nobles had to pay money which would contribute to crown income and deter disloyalty

Question 5

How did Feudal dues help Henry consolidate power?

Answer 5

• Henry took over lands when none of his friends too young to inherit them
• Made it illegal for nobles to marry or claim inheritance without Henry’s permission
• In 1496 Katherine Dowager was fined £7000 for marrying without license and her son was fined the same amount in 1498 for claiming inheritance without Henry’s permission before he was 21

Question 6

How did laws against retaining help Henry consolidate power?

Answer 6

• 1504 Proclamations ensured nobles had to get licenses to retain. They had to get these from the king in person. If not they risked fine of £5 a month for each illegal retainer
• e.g. in 1506 Lord Burgavenny was fined £70,550
• Eliminated overmighty subjects as they could not raise a military power to overthrow Henry

Counter SK:
Henry failed to eliminate threat, nobles were secretive
Counter judgement: Still did reduce

Question 7

How did Patronage help Henry consolidate power?

Answer 7

Gave Henry the sole power to grant land, titles, and honours