Borough Representation

Question 1

Extent of involvement

Answer 1

• MPs increased from 296 (H7) to 462 (E1) — large expansion of borough representation.
• Used by Crown and nobles to reward loyal gentry and allies.
• Rarely elected freely — often Crown-influenced or patron-controlled.

Question 2

Effectiveness

Answer 2

• Helped tie in the political elite and give the illusion of broader governance.
• But had no administrative or enforcement role - MPs didn’t deliver royal policy.
• Cooperation was symbolic, not structural.

Question 3

Breadth of impact

Answer 3

• Politically widespread but functionally shallow - often ‘rotten’ or marginal boroughs.
• Can be used to critique the superficiality of Tudor local ‘representation’.