Henry VII - Society in England

The great chain of being

The great chain of being

This was the belief that everyone had a specific place in society and was responsible for remaining there. Also laws prevented changes.

Urban and rural changes

90% of people lived in rural communities. Towns were very small, London had 60,000 residents.

1485 peasants were legally bound to lords without any freedom.

1509 peasants were free to move as they liked.

Commoners vs Nobles

Commoners:

Nearly 2m commoners at the time, and suffered badly during Henry VII reign due to enclosure and engrossment.

Nobles:

Owned most of the land in England. About 50-60 who could sit in house of lords.

The structure of society

The structure of society