Henry VII: Domestic Policy

Question 1

Nobility

Answer 1

Mighty Magnates Reduced: RIII son is dead so the new Duke of York is Henry’s son. Other major nobles are still minors.

King’s Family: Very small, Henry has a few close relatives but they are all loyal, HVII has male heirs so his succession is secure.

Supporters: Lord Stanley & Jasper Tudor-family, Earl of Oxford (went with HVII to exile).

Question 2

Finance

Answer 2

1st yr of reign only got £11,700 from lands, RIII got £29,000.

Ordinary Revenue:
-1486 Act of Resumption, income from lands rose to £42,000 in 1509.
-Under EDIV customs £70,000yr, HVII only £40,000yr.
-Money from fining nobility for crimes e.g. Earl of Northumberland fined £10,000 for raping royal ward.
-Feudal Dues-
Exploited wardships, sold hand in marriage, fee for ward to regain lands from crown (Relief). Income from dues rose from £350yr 1487 to over £6,000 1507.

Extraordinary Revenue:

• Taxes, rebellions in yorkshire & cornish. Tax didn’t bring in much money.
• loans amounted to £203,000 over reign, had to pay it all back.
• church gave £25,000 in 1489 for invasion of france.
• French Pension.

Question 3

KIng’s Rights

Answer 3

Council Of The Learned:

• Led by Empson & Dudley
• Hated by nobles because they exploited the king’s rights, also sometimes made fake accusations to fine nobles.
• Makes sure King’s rights are being implemented properly e.g. Proper use of wardships,bishoprics etc.

Question 4

Aristocratic Power

Answer 4

No more factionalism, the nobles had little access to the king so could not influence him.

Henry still needs great landowners to control different parts of his kingdom. The nobility who dominated government were all loyal to Henry. During HVII’s reign, 70% of the nobles attended more than 1 council. Over 200 council members throughout reign.

Margaret Beaufort:

• Given special powers, she has the right to control her own property and act independently from her husband.
• Oversees government in the Midlands.

Jasper Tudor:
-Made Duke of Bedford, ruled much of Wales.

Question 5

Retaining Armies

Answer 5

Henry passed laws on retaining in 1485, nobles had to swear not to retain armies.

In 1504, another law was passed that introduced a fine of £5 per retainer per month.

Large fines imposed on some nobles e.g. Lord Burgavenny fined £70,000.

Question 6

New Men

Answer 6

HVII allowed gentry & new men to rise up through government. New men- lawyers, gentry etc. Wanted land so would remain loyal to king or it would be taken away.
HVII willing to let them bend laws to ensure royal security.

Increasing Royal Security:

• Empson & Dudley, king’s rights, bonds etc.
• Some of more loyal men included Lovell & Wyatt, trusted with delivering prisoner Edmund De La Pole to king.
• New Men well rewarded e.g. Lovell had same income as a Marquis.