VII society Flashcards
What had caused a breakdown of rigid societal structure and beginning of social mobility?
The Black Death of 1340s led to massive economic pressures.
Who dominated land ownership?
The peerage, nobles
How many men were there in the peerage?
Roughly 50-60
Who were the only nobles really trusted by 7?
Lancastrian military commanders such as the Earl of Oxford and Lord Daunbey
What was bastard feudalism?
Wealthy magnates recruited Knights/gentlemen - retaining them, utilising them in mostly administrative but sometimes military roles. Loyal retainers helped secure the crown, yet they also proved a threat in court rooms
What year were peers and MPs forced to take an oath against illegal retaining?
1486, with a 1487 law against retaining established
How many knights were there in 1490?
375
How much of English land did the peers and Knights combined own?
15-20%
How can you describe English society under 7?
Layered, with a growing professional and mercantile bourgeoisie
What was the reformation movement?
Opposing of the Catholic Church
Who dominated town councils under 7?
Shopkeepers and skilled tradesmen
What two types of peasants were there under 7?
Yeomans and husbandmen (they had smaller farms)
What were grazing rights?
Peasants could feed their livestock on given land
