Roles Again

Question 1

It could be argued that it was the role of major nobles in offices of state and church that allowed monarchs to govern effectively in 1399-1509 because they provided advice and assistance to the monarch, for example through roles such as the exchequer

Answer 1

decisions of national importance, such as foreign diplomacy and defence, it was expected that the king would take advice from a group of councillors, mainly drawn from the nobility. councils met to discuss govt policy, administer justice, take measures to maintain order within the realm, assisst the smooth-running of trade, issue warrants, letters and proclamations to advertise and explain their decisions to the wider population.
the great council- callled at shorter notice with less formality so speedier way of dealing with problems or emergencies. discuss important matters of state, such as war or key govt policy decisions.
The Continual Council smaller group of king’s closest advisers dealing with everyday governance of the realm

Question 2

Councils

Answer 2

the great council- callled at shorter notice with less formality so speedier way of dealing with problems or emergencies. discuss important matters of state, such as war or key govt policy decisions.
The Continual Council smaller group of king’s closest advisers dealing with everyday governance of the realm.

Question 3

Supporting points

Answer 3

Henry v agincourt
others predominantly responsible for matters of security: the Constable of the Tower of London was a post usually held by a leading lord and involved ensuring the ssafety of this important royal palace and treasure-house.
Contemporaries regarded the king taking good advice crucial and not listening to a narrow set of views- they had constrol and local loyalty in areas their estates were based.
After Bosworth
Laws enforced locally by nobles and gentry.
Agreement from lords and commons for taxation
Throughout the period monarchs relied on the advice of major nobles on their councils
The outer regions were dominated by the greater nobility, who were needed to control these areas, e.g. the Percys and the Nevilles, who usually held the wardenships of the East and West Marches in the North.
This reliance could be counter-productive if a king relied too heavily on certain nobles as office holders, e.g. Henry VI was criticised for being overreliant on the Dukes of Somerset and Suffolk in the 1440s

Question 4

Other factors

Answer 4

The personalities and ambitions of individual nobles could challenge or threaten the governance of the monarchs, e.g. Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who also held the position of Captain of Calais

The personality and charisma of the monarch was as vital or even more vital, e.g. in the case of Henry V or Edward IV . henry vii