Studied by 1 person
Arguments supporting prosperity
Population began to significantly grow from 1525 with a decline in mortality rate
From 1520s, agricultural prices rose significantly - therefore there was an increase in farming incomes
Debasement of coinage created a short-term artificial boom in 1544 to 1546, but at a long term cost of living standards
Arguments supporting depression
Bad harvests (1520-21 and 1527-29) led to temporary but significant increases in food prices
Food prices almost doubled across Henry VIII’s reign
Real wages began to decline - worse at the end of Henry’s reign when effects of debasement were particularly evident
Assessment for subsidies indicated considerable urban poverty - over half of Coventry were recorded as having no personal wealth
Growing unemployment among rural labourers
Over 5000 migrants a year adding to London population
Some people had been made homeless due to engrossing
Impact of enclosure
Enclosure of common fields existed in the 15th century - had little impact though
Wolsey laucnhed an enclosure commission in 1517 to ascertain the scale of the problem
Proceedings were launched successfully afainst no fewer than 188 defentands who were found to have enclosed illegially
Enclosure was most commonly found in east Midlands villages
However bulk of damage caused by enclosure took place before 1485 - but didn’t prevent further legislation in 1534 which attempted to limit sheep ownership and engrossing - with limited results
Population increase
Underlying cause of economic distress - increase in population
Put considerable strain on the supply of food - made it difficult at times to meet the rising demand
Agricultural prices and income from farming rose
Growing class of substantial farmers who were able or fortunate enough to respont effectively to the growing market conditions
Note
Flashcard