Mary I - Government

How does Mary's use of parliament compare to her siblings?

- 104 Acts in 5 sessions

- not very productive in comparison

What does John Guy suggest is the reason for Mary's unproductiveness in parliament?

- 'Mostly due to a lack of leadership in the House of Lords'

How did Mary remodel Parliament?

- Replaced radical Bishops

- Created 19 new common seats

- intervened in elections

- dispensed patronage to her supporters

Where did tension arise in Parliament?

- Over issues such as property

- Opposition to crown policy was uncommon

When was the Second Parliament in Mary's reign and how did this differ from the first?

- April 154

- This was more dramatic as tensions rose between Gardiner and Paget

When was the First Fruits and Tenths returned?

- 1555

- 193 for and 126 against

What was Gardiner determined to do?

- supress heresy

- exclude Elizabeth from the throne

What did Paget fear Gardiner would do?

- attack property obtained through the dissolution of the monasteries

Why was royal authority maintained in Parliament?

- Interests of the Crown and members were largely the same

How was Mary physically?

- Not 100% healthy

- Had a weak heart, extreme headaches and oedema

How did Mary's illnesses affect her?

- They were a troublesome factor, but were no more intrusive than Edward's illness

- Mary was flexible

Who did Mary bring to the Privy Council and what effect did this have?

- Almost all of her existing servants

- This increased factionalism

Which of Edwards principal officers remained in the Privy Council?

- William Paget

- Thomas Cheney

Who became the Master of the Household in 1553?

- The Earl of Arundel

Who became The Lord Chamberlain?

The Earl of Oxford

Who replaced Gates as Captain of the Guard?

- Sir Henry Jerningham

Who dominated Mary's court?

- envoys from Spain and reactionary conservatives

What can be said about the efficiency of Mary's council?

- Although it was twice the size, its efficiency was enhanced

What was set up in 1554 regarding the Privy Council?

- A system of 12 subcommittees

- Each Subcommittee had a function, e.g. the Navy

Which law officers remained under Mary?

- The most able law officers, regardless of their religious stance