Henry VIII and the Royal Supremacy, 1509-47

Flashcards created from lecture notes on the societal changes during Henry VIII's reign, focusing on the transition in English society, the rise of the gentry and urban elite, and transformations within the lower orders of society.

The sixteenth century was significant because major changes were taking place within __ society.

English

During mid-sixteenth century society, social structure altered very little, yet it was more __ and individualistic than during the Middle Ages.

competitive

Due to economic decline in the fifteenth century, great aristocratic landowners had to sell parts of their land and __ the remainder.

lease out

The redistribution of land marked the beginning of the rise of the __.

gentry

A rise in the status, wealth and power during Henry VIII's reign involved the __ elite, including merchants and craftsmen.

urban

The decline in economic and political power of landowners led to the disappearance of __ in England during the fifteenth century.

serfdom

Peasant smallholders were generally described as __, self-sufficient farmers with about 12-16 hectares of land.

husbandmen

Customary tenures were being replaced by a new form of tenancy called __, where rent was paid in cash.

copyhold

Many former peasants took advantage of land availability and became __ farmers, amassing holdings of 80 hectares or more.

commercial

Those commoners with skills and trades moved into the towns where they were able to build up their __.

businesses