THEME 3 - STATE CONTROL AND POPULAR RESISTANCE, 1509-88

What were the marches?

It was the name of a militarised zone on the English borders with Wales and Scotland.

In the middle ages these regions had developed their own laws and customs because they were the first line of defence against hostile invasion. The Tudor monarchs sought to undermine these traditional powers by creating systems that allowed them more direct control however it was still hard to control.

What permanent changes to the gov of Wales did Cromwell do?

He appointed Rowland Lee to act as the Lord President of the Council of Wales.

Act of Union transformed the structure of Welsh government

The Principality of Wales and the Marcher lordships were abolished and replaced with 13 English-style counties that used English legal system. Meaning they could control Wales and the Marches more easily

Why was the North more challenging to control?

Geographically remote with poor communications

It was also under threat of invasion from Scotland

What did Wolsey re-establish in 1525?

The Council of the North

What was the Council of the North’s role?

It had both a legal and administrative role

It worked alongside the wardens to promote the authority of the Tudor monarchs

Who was the council made up of?

The president was either a bishop or a member of the nobility

The rest of the council was made up of local gentry, lawyers and clergy

What did Henry Hastings (made president by QE) enforce during his role in power?

A rigorous crackdown on recusancy that not only included punishment of Catholics but also the appointment of Protestant preachers to spread the religious settlement approved by the government.

The result was that the north became more stable and there were no further rebellion and the control of the monarchy was enhanced through the council

What was the role of the nobility?

They were vital to maintaining control. The rank and social status of a member of the nobility meant that they could command respect locally

They had a link with court and the monarch where it was important in passing useful local information to the ruler.

In times of a crisis they were usually the ones who could best advise the monarch about what to do and sometimes they were the ones who supressed them

They played a role in implementing government policies

What was the role of the JPs?