Henry VIII - Government Flashcards
(42 cards)
What were Henry’s early decisions involving government?
Abolished Council Learned in Law (notorious for making money from nobles) and cancelled 175 bonds owed to his father
What was different in Henry’s attitude toward nobles?
Viewed nobles as his friends
Who did he prefer in his day to day running of government?
JP’s and trained administrators like his father
What was domination of privy council like?
Conciliar approach ended in 1514, Wolsey dominated, conciliar approach for three years, Cromwell dominates in 1530’s, major reform of privy council (20 men specified responsibility)
How many advisers were in the privy chamber?
20
What was parliament under Henry VII like?
Similar to his father’s way of running it - continued extraordinary revenue and pass laws
How often was Parliament called?
Wolsey only called on it once in 1523
Cromwell exploited use and called it more frequently
Why did Cromwell call on Parliament more often?
For expensive foreign wars and establishment of Royal Supremacy
What was introduced in Privy Chamber?
‘Gentleman of the Privy Chamber’ - Henry surrounded himself with likeminded courtiers
Regional Government under Henry VIII
Henry Courtney - dominant in South West
Durham, Cheshire were palatines/separate
1536 Acts with Wales brought in more control
Council in the North - permanent body professionally staffed following POG
Local Government under Henry VIII?
Increase in number of JP’s, members of gentry drawn into unpaid administration on behalf of crown, more layman carrying out administration than clergymen
How did Wolsey gain Henry VIII trust?
Organising 1513 expedition to France, supplies for 30,000 men, gave him power after success
When did Henry make Wolsey Lord Chancellor?
1515
When was Wolsey’s promotion to Papal Legate?
1518
Wolsey’s Character?
Greedy (500 servants), spiteful and intimidating to opponents, 1521 execution of Duke of Buckingham
What was Wolsey like with Henry VIII?
Run day to day government, kept him informed, feared influence of favourite nobles who had access to King’s private rooms
What did Wolsey put in place in 1526 and what did it do?
Eltham Ordinances to reorganise chaotic finances of Privy Chamber, more efficient government, removing unnecessary jobs, firing sick workers
Why was Eltham Ordinances negative?
Lapsed once Wolsey was secure in power so could have been about weakening rivals rather than maintaining efficiency
What did Wolsey attempt to do with law?
Introduce civil law (on evidence and justice) at the expense of common law (based on precedent)
What did Wolsey do with the Star Chamber and why was this good?
More frequent use, 120 cases per year
Trials for abuse of power of nobles more common and encouraged commoners to come forward
Why was frequent use of Star Chamber negative?
Could be misused to attack rival nobles, Wolsey made few major changes but those he did make were mainly to increase his own power/security
How did Wolsey support the poor people in Law and why was this not good?
Court of Requests to hear cases for low fees and quick decisions
Passed for personal reasons and reforms were not long lasting
What did Wolsey do in 1525?
Amicable Grant to fund war with French, forced loan which failed, levy of 1/3 of goods of clergy
When did Wolsey suggest a subsidy (more flexible tax)?
1523, based on income rather than property but did not raise enough, levied new tax on church
