Royal Authority after the Great Rebellion Flashcards
(13 cards)
What happened to key rebel barons like Hugh Bigod, Robert of Leicester, and Hugh of Chester after the Great Rebellion?
Henry imprisoned them and only released them after they surrendered all lands to the crown — a display of royal dominance.
This action demonstrated Henry’s authority and control over rebellious barons.
When and where was William the Lion, King of Scots, captured?
13 July 1174, at Alnwick, during the height of the Great Rebellion.
His capture was a significant event that affected Scottish-English relations.
What treaty did William the Lion sign after his capture, and when?
The Treaty of Falaise, signed December 1174, in which William recognised Henry II as his overlord.
This treaty reinforced English supremacy over Scotland.
What public act did William the Lion perform as submission?
He submitted at York, surrendering five castles — a warning to future rebels that Scotland would no longer be a refuge.
This act symbolized the end of Scottish independence under William.
What did Henry do with forest law to assert authority?
He strictly enforced forest law, demonstrating total control. The 1184 Assize of Woodstock codified forest laws in writing.
This enforcement was part of Henry’s broader strategy to consolidate power.
What baronial issue from the Anarchy did Henry seek to prevent?
The rise of semi-independent fiefdoms — barons who had become de facto rulers of their regions.
This was critical to restoring royal authority after the chaos of the Anarchy.
What action did Henry take in 1176 regarding baronial castles?
He claimed control of all baronial castles and asserted the right to appoint his own castellans, re-centralising royal authority.
This move was aimed at reducing baronial power and reinforcing the monarchy.
Why was Henry’s control over castellans significant?
Although kings had this right, few used it. Henry’s exercise of it reaffirmed that barons held land only at his pleasure.
This was a crucial shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and the barons.
What method did Henry use to ensure no castellan became too powerful?
He rotated castellans regularly to prevent them from building local power bases, ensuring loyalty to the crown.
This strategy helped maintain central authority over local governance.
What was the Assize of Arms (1181)?
A decree requiring men to own arms based on wealth/status; for example, those worth over 16 marks had to own a mail shirt, shield, helmet, and lance.
This decree was part of Henry’s efforts to organize military resources.
How did the Assize of Arms strengthen royal control?
All freemen took an oath to uphold it, linking military duty to royal allegiance, reinforcing Henry’s authority.
This connection between military service and loyalty was crucial for maintaining order.
What was the Saladin Tithe, and when was it introduced?
Introduced in 1188, it was a 10% levy on a person’s income and moveable goods, used to fund the crusade.
This tax was significant for financing military campaigns.
How did the Saladin Tithe reflect royal power?
It showed the king could directly tax the population, enforce compliance, and finance international ventures without baronial approval.
This highlighted the shift in financial authority from the barons to the monarchy.
