Somerset's Econ/Soc Policy

Question 1

How did Somerset address the problem of vagrancy?

Answer 1

The 1547 Vagrancy Act - very harsh, branded people with a V and sold them into slavery for 2 years

Never properly implemented due to its unpopularity

Question 2

Positive consequences of the vagrancy act?

Answer 2

Brought about Sunday collections in Parish churches for the establishment of cottages for the poor who couldn’t work. These finds also allowed children of beggars to be educated and hospitals for the disabled were to be founded

Question 3

How did Somerset raise money for his foreign policy endeavours?

Answer 3

He continued the debasements of Henry’s reign and continued to sell off monastic and chantry lands (especially after the chantries act 1547)

Question 4

How did Somerset modify the reason treason act?

Answer 4

Made it less severe - e.g. it was no longer treason to deny the royal supremacy

Question 5

What social policy did Somerset implement in March 1549?

Answer 5

He introduced a 5% tax on personal property

Question 6

What unpopular tax did Somerset introduce in March 1549?

Answer 6

Sheep tax (repealed by January 1550)

Question 7

By how much had food prices risen since 1500?

Answer 7

100%

Question 8

What did Somerset do against enclosure in June 1548?

Answer 8

Issued a proclamation enforcing all previous statues against enclosure (continuity with Wolsey) and established a commission under John Hale to investigate cases of enclosure in the midlands

Set up Court of Requests in his own home to hear cases brought against the wealthy