Henry VIII - Government

Question 1

Henry’s Styles of Government

Answer 1

Used two styles: conciliar and ministerial
* 1509-1514: conciliar
* 1514 - 1529: ministerial (Wolsey)
* 1529 - 1532: conciliar
* 1532 - 1540: ministerial (Cromwell)

Question 2

Break with Rome (1534)

Answer 2

• Henry used Parliament to pass the Act of Supremacy (1534), making him Supreme Head of the Church of England.
• Sucessful: Gave Henry control over the Church, allowed him to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, and seize Church wealth.

Question 3

Use of Parliament

Answer 3

• Henry significantly increased Parliament’s role, especially in religious reform (1529–1536 Reformation Parliament).
• Successful: Strengthened his authority and legalised religious changes; set precedent for future monarchs using Parliament for major reforms.

Question 4

Role of Thomas Cromwell

Answer 4

• Chief Minister (1532–1540), reorganised royal government and finances; created new courts (e.g. Court of Augmentations).
• Initially successful but a failure long-term: Streamlined government and increased royal income, but his downfall in 1540 weakened reformist influence.

Question 5

Royal Councils and Factions

Answer 5

• Henry relied on a Privy Council of advisors; power often shifted between conservative and reformist factions.
• Varied Success: Allowed Henry to play factions off each other but caused instability (e.g. factional struggle after Cromwell’s fall).

Question 6

Succession Acts

Answer 6

• Henry passed three Acts of Succession (1534, 1536, 1544) to control who could inherit the throne, mostly his son Edward VI before adding Mary and Elizabeth back.
• Successful: Asserted royal authority over succession, ensured his children would rule, and reduced threats from rival claimants.

Question 7

Role of Cardinal Wolsey

Answer 7

• Henry’s Chief Minister (1515–1529); dominated royal government and handled foreign policy, justice, and church affairs; came to power after organisation of Henry’s wars with France.
• Initially successful but a failure long-term: Efficient administrator and diplomat, but failed to secure the annulment from the Pope (solve the Great Matter), leading to his downfall.

Question 8

The Privy Chamber

Answer 8

• Group of Henry’s closest male servants; gained political influence due to their personal access to the king.
• Successful for Henry: Allowed Henry to control access and surround himself with loyal men, though it sometimes gave too much power to favourites (e.g. Wolsey).

Question 9

Henry’s Royal Council

Answer 9

• A formal advisory body of nobles, bishops, and lawyers that handled day-to-day government affairs because of Henry’s disinterest in the matter.
• Successful: Provided expert advice and continuity of government, especially early in the reign and after Cromwell’s fall; shifted to a smaller Privy Council later for efficiency.

Question 10

Continued Use of Justices of the Peace (JPs)

Answer 10

• Local gentry appointed to enforce law and royal policy in the counties (18 per county).
• Successful: Strengthened central control across England without relying on nobles; cost-effective and helped implement reforms at local level.