Restoration of Royal Authority Flashcards
What period was given the name ‘the Anarchy?’
1135-1154
What was the ‘manorial system?’
peasants provide labour service to the lords demense.
What was urban wealth determined by?
trade
What was England’s biggest source of trade?
wool
Explain the term, ‘chivalric culture’
valuing military skill, loyalty and generosity.
Who did Henry see himself to be the heir of?
His father
Name 3 duties of a medieval king
lease land to barons, employ barons and lords, church control, appoint the archbishop of canterbury, uphold laws, provide an heir, protect subjects.
Explain the Fedual System
Maintains social hierarchy and absolute loyalty to the king.
The main structure to determine who taxes are paid to.
Distributes power.
Introduced by William the Conqueror, developed by Henry II.
Name 3 strengths of Henry II position when he became king in 1154
Treaty of Winchester named him as the rightful hier, a year between the Treaty and Stephen’s death for him to prepare, Many earls died in the early 1150s so there were few to oppose Henry’s leadership, he had the support of Archbishop Theobald, Stephen’s hier died in 1153.
Name 3 weaknesses of Henry II’s position when he became king in 1154
Stephen’s remaining family posed threats to Henry’s throne, English Barons were living on the royal demense, lack of royal authority after the anarchy, Owain Gwynedd was at the height of his power leaving North-West England vulnerable, some barons supported Stephen.
What were some of Henry’s immediate actions to restore Royal Authority?
Maintain impartial Law & Order, Demolishing Castles: eg the Flemmings & commanding the Barons release the royal Demense, any private castles were destroyed.
In what year did Henry announce that future castles could only be built with royal permission?
1155
Explain the vassal-lord relationship
the vassal swore fealty to their overlord.
Define ‘homage’
a formal acknowledgement of authority.
Why was England important to Henry?
it gave him wealth and a crown, and the title of King.
How many Sheriffs did Henry dismiss at the beginning of his reign?
2/3
How did Henry control the Earls?
He appointed no new earls and allowed half of those created under Stephen to lapse.
What was the average Baronial income?
£200-£300
What was the significance of castles?
A way of controlling nobility, defense against attack, secure base.
What was ‘scutage?’
a payment made my knights instead of performing military service.
How did Henry II use Patronage to his advantage?
He could use it as a form of reward to those loyal to him.
What year was the Cartae Baronum?
1166
What was the aim of the Cartae Baronum?
Name who owns what land in order to maintain oaths of loyalty, monitored the number of knights to ensure Scutage payment.
