Society Under Mary

Question 1

What economic change took place under Mary?

Answer 1

• inflation caused by a rapidly growing population and continued debasement of coinage
• by 1559 purchasing power of an agricultural worker’s wages had dropped to 59% of what it had been 50yrs earlier as a result of inflation
• harvest failures in 1555-6 led to food shortages and strain on wages
• outbreak of influenza in 1557-8
• reforms in crown finances had positive long term consequences
• England’s military and naval traditions were revived

Question 2

What financial reforms took place under Mary?

Answer 2

• Court of Exchequer took over the Court of First Fruit and Tenths and the Court of Augmentations
• improved financial administration under Lord Treasurer Winchester
• royal debt increased due to war with France
• plans for recoinage drawn up (but implemented under Elizabeth)
• new Book of Rates put in place which increased customs revenue (Elizabeth also greatly benefited from this)