The king and parliament Flashcards
What was the political nation?
Those people nearly modern Britain who had economic, political and social influence.
What were the dates that James fought with parliament over money?
1610-James extravagance, the Bates case and impositions
1614-impositions
1621-increasing use of monopolies.
Why was court important?
It reflected on the monarchs personality
Many issues were discussed at court and access to court could spell out political success
What happened in James’ court?
It was open and lively- showed his joy for life-at its most extreme it was described as drunken, immoral and rampant with debauchery.
This arrangement could lead to infighting and competition over the kings patronage (favour) between rival interests, this led to the formation of factions
James’ spending at court was a major source of tension at parliament.
Where did the conflict come from?
Landowners competed with each other for influence with the king at court and so they formed factions with similarly minded landowners.
This system was good for the king as rather than the members of the political nation opposing him, they were preoccupied with fighting each other.
The factions themselves gained influence by their members having access to the king.
James had to keep the factions from competing with each other, rather than against him. He therefore needs to balance them:give competing factions power at different times to encourage competition.
James had favourites:individuals who monopolise access to the king. Certain factions had his favourites in them, this then causes problems.
Who were the gentlemen of the bedchamber?
They provide close attendance to the king-assisted the king at his dressing, waiting on him when he ate in private, guarding access to him in his bedchamber and closet and providing companionship.
2 of James’ faves were appointed to the role: Robert Carr
George Villiers
Carr came with James from Scotland and was a part of a pro-Spanish, Catholic Carr/Howard faction. He fell out of favour in 1615 as he wanted to marry the already married daughter of Howard and so had to get a divorce. Only a fellow court member, Thomas Overbury, disapproved so they killed him. This caused massive scandal and the couple were thrown in jail and permanently banned from court.
This allowed the anti-Catholic Coke/Archbishop Abott/Pembroke faction to push forward the then young upstart George Villiers
He then rapidly rose up through the ranks and became a duke in 1623.
Why did Buckingham upset the political nation?
Buckinghams faction dominated the court and caused tensions within parliament and wider political nation-he was a no-one who quickly became a someone
Kishlansky argues that Buckingham virtually ran court from 1618 until his murder in 1628.
