How effective was Duke of Northumberland governement?

The principles of the government

• Northumberland governed through authority of the Privy Council

• Northumberland controlled meetings and agendas

• Assumed King’s power to create new councillors

• Staffed King’s household with his own men

Debasement of Coinage

• 1551

• Allowed government to make £114,000

• Allowed government to pay immediate expenses and short term loans

• BUT meant inflation rose

Coinage reissued

• March 1552

• Silver content restored to 1527

• Slowed inflation, gave more confidence in the currency

Financial situation

• By 1553, stabilised

• BUT £140,000 worth of Crown Lands had been sold to replace revenue taxes

Treaty of Boulogne

• March 1550

• Return of Boulogne netted a 400,000 Crown ransom

• Removed threat of French invasion

• Ended expense of war

• Trade between England and France could resume

• BUT, Henry’s last legacy gone and humiliating peace and alliance with a traditional enemy