Role of the Monarchy, Nobility, and Gentry Flashcards
What was the structure of Tudor society?
- God
- The Monarchy
- The Nobility
- The Gentry
- Yeomen and Artisans
- Peasants
- Vagrants and Beggars
What was the role of the monarch?
To protect the country from invasion, and to defend the rights and privileges of their subjects
What were relationships like between the monarch and the nobility before Henry VII came to the throne and during his reign?
Some nobles joined or led rebellions against the monarch. Henry Tudor had been a member of the nobility himself who was able to defeat the king.
Who were the nobility?
Groups of men who helped the highest titles below the king such as duke, earl or viscount. There were 40-60 men with these titles under the Tudors.
How did the nobles see themselves?
As the natural friends, advisers and military leaders of the monarch as they relied on the monarch to protect their lands and property while the monarch also relied on them.
What role did the gentry have in the Tudor period?
They were increasingly involved in local government but were landowners as well but had less extensive states than the nobility.
Who were the yeomen?
Prosperous farmers who tended to own their own land.Tended to be financially secure due to land ownership.
Who were artisans?
Skilled craftsmen who often lived in towns or larger villages. They became prosperous in the wool or cloth industry which was the main English export.
What roles did yeomen and artisans have in rebellions in the earlier Tudor period?
In 1549, they provided leadership and shaped the demands of popular rebellion due to being better educated and being natural leaders of their communities.
Who were the peasants?
The majority of England’s population who lived and worked in rural communities and worked on the land for the local landlord for wages. They didn’t own land but relied on it.
Who were vagrants/beggars?
People without masters who roamed the countryside, and were seen as a threat to social order because their movement around England could lead to the spread of rumours and dangerous ideas.
What was the Royal Court?
It served the monarch, and was important for display and entertainment and was an informal source of power.
What was the role of the Royal Household?
Responsible for the ruler’s domestic needs. Made up of hundreds of people employed in the kitchens, laundries and gardens, and it could grow or shrink according to the personal needs of the monarch and his family.
What was the role of the Privy Chamber?
The private chambers of the monarch, and was structured in such a way that access to them was closely controlled.
