Society and Economy

Question 1

Changes to the nobility in Henry’s reign?

Answer 1

9 more peers by the end of Henry’s reign than the beginning, achieved through loyal service or family links

Property bestowed upon nobles so Henry could exert royal authority in particular areas (e.g. Duke of Suffolk given land in Lincoln after PoG)

Nobles remained vital for the maintenance of local influence and recruitment (e.g. Earl of Shrewsbury raised over 4,000 men for invasion of France in 1513)

Question 2

Changes to the gentry in Henry’s reign?

Answer 2

Around 5,000 gentry families in England by 1540

Increase in gentry - e.g. dissolution of monasteries bolstered the property-owning class

Question 3

Changes in commoners during Henry’s reign?

Answer 3

Inflation led to drop in real wages, contributing to ill feeling (e.g. Amicable Grant)

Question 4

How did Welsh society change under Henry?

Answer 4

Laws in Wales Act 1535 - divided Wales into shire counties, gave Wales direct representation in the HoC for the first time ever, brought Wales under the same legal framework as England

Question 5

How did the English Palatinates change under Henry?

Answer 5

3 English counties (Lancashire, Cheshire and Durham) were technically under separate jurisdictions from the rest of the kingdom

Lancashire and Cheshire fell back into royal control, Durham still ran by the bishop

Act Against Liberties and Franchises reduced Durham’s special status

Question 6

How did the Council in the North change under Henry?

Answer 6

Danger of the North highlighted by the PoG

Council re-established as a permanent body based in York

Shows its worth in keeping the North quiet during the Western and Kett’s rebellions of 1549

Question 7

How did exploration develop under Henry VIII?

Answer 7

Failed to continue Henry VII’s interests in exploration and did not build upon achievements of Cabot

Sebastian Cabot did not return from Spain until Edward’s reign began

Question 8

Evidence of economic prosperity under H8

Answer 8

Significant population growth from 1525 onwards

Debasement gave short term economic benefits

Government sponsored efforts to increase cloth exports (25% increase in exports in 1533-34 - major growth in v short timeframe)

Question 9

Evidence of economic depression under H8

Answer 9

Bad harvests in 1520-21 and 1527-9

Food prices almost doubled and real wages declined

Debasement began in 1526 which harmed the economy

Rural unemployment led to sharp rise in migration to cities (over 5,000 migrated to London per year)

Wars cost over £3 million