Wk. 1 Primary Source: Dudley, Tree of Commonwealth

Question 1

Dudley, Tree of Commonwealth

Answer 1

Edmund Dudley (1462-1510) “Tree of Commonwealth” – advisor of King Henry VII and VIII of England. Wrote a very typical description of the way an ideal kingdom or commonwealth should function.

• Pay particular attention to the different groups of people Dudley described, what their role in society was, and how they should relate to one another.

Used a TREE as the metaphor for an ideal Kingdom:

Foundation: “diverse strong roots, and fastened sure in the ground”

• Foundation of Religion: “Cheif Root” = “Love of God”
• Leaders Set the Example: “all his subjects, spiritual and temporal,1 may see in their prince that he himself sets his principal delight and affection in the love of God”
• 4 Roots: Mentions Justice, Truth, Concord, and Peace, but focuses on Concord, which stands for Unity.
• Importance of Concord: “good agreement and conformity amongst the people or the inhabitants of a realm”
• Each member of society should accept their role whatever that may be: “every man to be content to do his duty in the office, room or condition that he is set in, and not to malign or disdain any other.”
  
  • “These folk may not grudge nor murmur to live in labour and pain, and the most part of their time with the sweat of their face”
• Equal consideration and justice for all (Inalienable rights?): “in our sovereign lord when he sees justice ministered to his subjects truly and indifferently, as well to the poor and to the rich, and favour and cherish good men and punish the ill (bad people)”
• Seek prosperity within your role: “every man well to prosper and speed in his lawful business.
• Conform to the law (within your societal role) and ensure that the law is conformed to by others (in their respective roles): “need to live in good conformity… …every man after the honour and degree that God and his prince has called him unto… …lead his life and not malign or envy his superiors nor disdain or set at naught his inferiors… …And also be the punishers of murderers, robbers and thieves, and all other ill-disposed people, be it your own servant or other.”
• Live responsibly and within your means:“Let not them presume above their own degree, nor any of them pretend or counterfeit the state of his better, not let any of them in anywise exceed in their apparel or diet, but use them as their expenses will surely serve them”
  
  • “Let these folk remember their rents and payments that they must make and rather pinch their bellies than sell their necessaries”
• Live wisely, legally: “and let them beware of pollers, pillers, and of Westminster hall (high courts) or else their purse will be thin. To sessions and assizes (low courts) make they no haste, except need enforce them.
• Stay away from low-lives: “Let them also beware of unlawful games; the taverns and alehouses are not to these folk much agreeable.”