Henry VII Government

Why was effective government critical

Raised prestige of the King

Subdued ambitions of the nobility

Allowed efficient generation of revenues

Promoted law and order

Henry 7 and parliament

Parliament was crucial when called upon but only required for brief periods

How many times was parliament called in Henry 7 reign

7 times in 24 years

Role of parliament in early modern period

To pass necessary laws, worked with the monarch

How many times did Parliament meet in the first decade of Henry 7 reign, why?

5

Insecure in position as King

How was parliament used in the first decade of Henry 7 reign

To pass acts of attainder against the King’s political opponents

Ratify his claim to the throne

Pass legislation against retaining

Which was the most significant sitting of parliament in Henry 7 reign

The first

Claim to royal title was ratified

Dated reign to before Bosworth

Secured the King custom duties for life £33,000 a year

What does parliament meeting less frequently as time went on tell us about their role

Did not have a role in deciding policies

Place in government was subsidiary

The Royal Household

Looked after the domestic needs of the King

The Privy Chamber

Chosen by the King

Had the closest access to him, greatest opportunity to influence him

The Privy Council

Group of advisors usually from the nobility and the Church

Justices of the Peace

Responsible for keeping law and order

The Council Learned in Law

Small professional body

Responsible for keeping up to date with wardships, marriage, and the collection of feudal dues

When was the Council Learned in Law established

1495

Council of the North and Council of Wales

Too remote from London to be controlled by central government

Who was in charge of the Council of Wales

Jasper Tudor

Who was in charge of the Council of the North

Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey

Role of JP’s

Maintenance of public order

Expected to enforce the King’s laws