HENRY'S ASCENSION

Question 1

WHY DID HENRY BECOME KING?

Answer 1

• Was born as the second son, and his brother Arthur was supposed to become King.
• At age 15, when Henry was 10, Arthur passed away due to tuberculosis (1502)
• His father had already lost 5/8 children, and Henry was too special to spare so he was moved to Greenwich
• Was banned from jousting, despite being strong and very athletic
• In 1509, Henry VII died so, Henry VIII became king at 18, governing 2.5 million people

Question 2

HENRY IN CHILDHOOD

Answer 2

• Born in Greenwich, on 28 June 1491, and spent his time learning languages
• Was an intelligent and keen student. Loved reading and loved writing books, as well as learning
• Loved playing music, including having 70 recorders, and composing music (RENAISSANCE MAN)
• Loved playing tennis and jousting, and loved eating (could tire out 8-10 horses while hunting)
• AVID CATHOLIC-RAISED but had Protestant epiphany in Reformation, and became a firm believer in the Divine Right of Kings

Question 3

SOCIETY

Answer 3

• Hierarchal society at the time, and followed The Great Chain of Being as part of Catholicism
• 2 main trades in England were CLOTH and WOOL
  - England became biggest cloth producer in Europe by 1540 (83%)
  - Wool production was for the gentry and nobility as they had large flocks of sheep - thuis is the reason people had to resort to enlcosures

Question 4

HENRY’S ORDER OF GOVERNMENT
RPGRRP
(importance increases going down)

Answer 4

FRIENDS OF THE KING (most influence):
* ROYAL HOUSEHOLD - Nobles and servants who attended to his daily needs
* PRIVY CHAMBER - Made of King’s closest nobles and friends, who looked after personal needs and entertainment (AND POLITICAL ROLES TOO)
* GROOM OF THE STOOL - Most prestigious role, monitored bathroom visits, most intimate

LEGAL ADVISORS:
* ROYAL COURT - Made of key servants, advisors and friends, and were there to display the King’s power. Lived in or near palace
* ROYAL COUNCIL - Provided policy guidance, and handpicked. Selected form nobility or Church

POWERFUL PEOPLE:
* PARLIAMENT -formed in 1215 - Made of House of Lords and House of Commons, to pass laws and approve new taxes (increased power later on)