HH1 - The Amicable Grant

What were the causes of the Amicable Grant?

The King of France had been defeated by Charles V in 1525 so Henry wanted to take advantage of this by invading France and recovering lands lost in the 15th century. The Amicable Grant was introduced to help pay for this invasion.

What was the Amicable Grant?

A tax of a third on the property of priests and a sixth on the property of ordinary people.

Why was the Amicable Grant controversial?

It was not approved by parliament and people only had 10 weeks to pay it, so many people resented this command and could not afford to pay it. There was a risk people would refuse to pay and the possibility of a rebellion against the King.

What were the short-term consequences of the Amicable Grant?

Many people refused to pay claiming they had no money. In Lavenham, Suffolk, a full scale rebellion broke out with 10,000 men gathering in the town expressing loyalty to the King but against tax. The tax was abandoned. Henry postponed the French campaign and made peace with France.

What were the long-term consequences of the Amicable Grant?

Wolsey humiliated and reputation damages, he had to take responsibility for failure. Wolsey unable to raise further taxes while he remained King’s first minister. Henry began to doubt Wolsey’s judgement, leading to his fall. Position of Wolsey’s enemies in royal court was strengthened. Demonstrated there were limitations the King’s power as he could no longer raise taxes without consent of parliament.