Section A Flashcards
What state were Henry VI’s finances in, in the mid 1400’s?
Poor finances- why?
- the effects of the 100 years war he inherited the debt from his father
- he was very generous with his patronage and he could not afford to be
- he had to pass acts of resumption
- he had to raise taxation to pay off debts
- he left soldiers in garrisons in France unpaid so the nobles there had to pay some of his
- he couldn’t pay his household bills despite his lavish spending
When did Henry VI pass acts of resumption?
The first in 1450- it called for his gifts/patronage back
Which Treaty was in 1444
Treaty of Tours
What were the terms of the Treaty of Tours?
The marriage of Margaret of Anjou to Henry VI
The English territory of Maine was to return to France
A truce of two years (which was later extended)
When did Henry VI become king?
1422- age 6 months, ruled by minority govt until he became of age
When did Henry’s minority govt end and he assume his place as king
1437 age 15
When was Henry VI crowned
1429 age 8
When did he technically become king of France?
In 1431, when his grandfather Charles VI dies.
What qualities did a 15th Century king need?
- Chivalry
- Looking the part- regal rich etc
- he must live off his own wealth and NOT be in debt
- he must maintain the mystique of kingship
- he must keep control of his subjects by using patronage and giving monopolies
- he must have good military skills
- must have an heir
- he must maintain good foreign relations/ alliances
What couldn’t a 15th Century king do?
he mustn’t upset his nobles- must treat them fairly and show little favouritism
he mustn’t be lenient with criminals
mustn’t lose wars
How could a 15th Century king maintain his authority?
patronage- gifts of land, money or titles
clientship- loyalty from those below the nobility as they helped the nobility maintain their lands
retainers- pledges to certain families wearing liveries- essentially small private armies used by nobles to fight and also to make a large army of the king called for one
Retainers?
- small private armies held by nobles
- kings assumed they would not be used against them
- the king could order them to be amassed in times of war
What was the great chain of being?
The Great Chain of Being is a hierarchical structure of all matter and life, thought in medieval Christianity to have been decreed by God. The chain starts with God and progresses downward to angels, humans, animals, plants, and minerals.
The Hierarchical order of the 1400s was?
GOD royal family the nobility- dukes, lords (often blood relatives to the king) the Gentry landowners artisans peasants
Who negotiated the terms of the treaty of tours?
Duke of Suffolk, on behalf of Henry- but it was a secret between the Suffolk, the King and France
