Wolsey's rise to power and domestic policies (+intro)

Question 1

When did Henry VIII ascend to the throne?

Answer 1

1509

Question 2

What was the country’s religion at the time that Henry became king?

Answer 2

Roman Catholicism

Question 3

What was the population of England at the start of Henry’s reign?

Answer 3

2.5 million

Question 4

True or false- England was mainly rural during this period.

Answer 4

True

Only around 6% of the population lived in towns

Question 5

How old was Henry when he became king?

Answer 5

18

Question 6

When did Henry marry Catherine of Aragon?

Answer 6

1509

Question 7

List 3 strengths of Henry’s early monarchy:

Answer 7

-He was a popular ruler
-The country was wealthy
-He had many experienced advisers

Question 8

List 3 weaknesses of Henry’s early monarchy:

Answer 8

-He lacked the experience and desire to govern
-He was an egotistical leader
-He sought out war to prove his status as a heroic leader

Question 9

What was Wolsey appointed in 1515 and what was the role of this position?

Answer 9

Lord Chancellor- managed the King’s correspondence and played a significant judicial role

Question 10

What important clerical posts did Wolsey hold?

Answer 10

Archbishop of York and then cardinal

Question 11

What was the name of the college founded by Wolsey?

Answer 11

Cardinal College (Oxford)

Question 12

At which two palaces did Wolsey organise building projects?

Answer 12

Hampton Court and York Place

Question 13

How did Wolsey reform the justice system?

Answer 13

-Ensured impartiality
-Oversaw cases in person
-Increased the court’s work rate
-Tried wealthy/high profile members of society (Earl of Northumberland was imprisoned in 1516)

Question 14

What was the downside of Wolsey’s justice reforms?

Answer 14

Made him unpopular with upper classes

Question 15

What was enclosure?

Answer 15

The process of fencing off ‘common’ land, which deprived people in rural areas from access to said land for agricultural purposes

Question 16

How did Wolsey attempt to solve the enclosures problem?

Answer 16

Set up an inquiry in 1517 to investigate the legality of landowners enclosing land.

Question 17

How many cases were brought against landowners because of the enclosure enquiry?

Answer 17

Around 260

Question 18

When and why did Wolsey have to suspend the enclosures inquiry?

Answer 18

1523- the decision was vastly unpopular with landowners in Parliament

Question 19

What was the system of direct taxation?

Answer 19

A method of taxing in which a percentage of ‘moveable goods’ were given to the Crown. This was 1/15th the value in rural areas and 1/10th the value in urban areas.

Question 20

Why was direct taxation not ideal?

Answer 20

Valuations of possessions were based on 14th century values, and the money brought in was insufficient

Question 21

How did Wolsey improve the system of taxation?

Answer 21

Set up a subsidy- an additional tax taken as a percentage of an individual’s income. Commissioners were sent out to ensure accuracy of the valuations.

Question 22

How much money was Wolsey able to raise during his time in power due to the subsidies?

Answer 22

£322,000- more than any other source of income

Question 23

Which 3 other methods of raising finance did Wolsey take advantage of?

Answer 23

-Clerical taxation
-Crown lands- money made from rents and leases
-Forced loans

Question 24

When did Charles V defeat the king of France?

Answer 24

1525

Question 25

Why was the Amicable Grant imposed?

Answer 25

-Henry wanted to take advantage of the defeat of the French king
-England was short on cash due to a failed French invasion in 1523

Question 26

Why was imposing the Amicable Grant risky?

Answer 26

The tax had been levied without parliamentary permission

Question 27

How much were subjects required to pay as part of the Amicable Grant?

Answer 27

1/3 and 1/6 of ecclesiastical and secular goods respectively

Question 28

When was the Amicable grant imposed?

Answer 28

1525

Question 29

What happened in May as a result of the Amicable Grant?

Answer 29

A revolt broke out in Suffolk, and 10,000 men began an uprising in Lavenham. This was eventually put down by a force led by the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and the rebels conceded. This was considered the most serious rebellion in England since 1497.

Question 30

What was the long-term effect of the Amicable Grant?

Answer 30

Henry began to lose trust in his chief minister, signifying the start of Wolsey’s downfall

Question 31

What were the other short-term effects of the Amicable Grant?

Answer 31

-Henry had to call off the French invasion and declare peace
-Wolsey accepted responsibility for the failure of the taxation

Question 32

What were the Eltham Ordinances?

Answer 32

A set of rules drawn up in 1526 that governed aspects of the Royal Court

Question 33

What were the aims of the Eltham Ordinances?

Answer 33

To restore order to the palaces, reduce spending and sideline Wolsey’s political rivals

Question 34

List some measures proposed in the Eltham Ordinances:

Answer 34

-Meals were at set times
-Most dogs were banned
-Reduction in number of people allowed expenses for food, drink and lodgings
-Unneeded servants layed off
-Members of the Privy Chamber reduced

Question 35

What was Wolsey’s most successful addition to domestic politics?

Answer 35

The imposal of taxes to increase the country’s finance