Methods used by Henry VII to establish the Tudor dynasty + Control of the Nobility

Elizabeth 1 reign

1558-1603

Who and why did Henry 7 marry

Elizabeth of York - political marriage to unite the houses of York and Lancashire

It could never be said that he was king because of this marriage as he was king already

Why did Henry date the time of his reign to before the Battle of Bosworth

Richard and those who supported him could be classed as traitors

Could have property taken by Act of Attainder - king would receive this land

Nobles professed their loyalty to the king

Why did Henry arrange his coronation to be before the first sitting of Parliament

He did not need parliament to declare him king

Date of Henry 7 crowning

30th October 1485

Date of parliament first sitting under Henry 7

7th November 1485

Why did Henry apply to the Pope for Papal Dispensation to marry Elizabeth

Ensured he was King before the marriage - they married on January 18th 1486

The nobility

People with titles e.g Dukes

What threat did the Nobility pose

Had the power to potentially take the throne by force in the same was Henry did

Name of policy used by Henry 7 to control the nobility

Carrot and Stick policy

Patronage

Giving of positions of power, titles, land

How did Henry 7 use patronage

Made it clear patronage came as a result of good and loyal service

Who was first to be awarded patronage by Henry 7

Those who gave him loyal support at the Battle of Bosworth e.g Jasper Tudor was made Duke of Bedford

Who was rewarded with patronage on the basis of good service

Sir Reginald Bray

Benefits of the use of patronage to Henry 7

Encouraged and ensured loyalty

Why was Henry 7 not as generous with patronage as his predecessors

He did not want to make himself weaker at the expense of his own wealth and security

What was Order of the Garter awarded for

Chivalry and honour

Who was Order of the Garter reserved for

The King’s closest servants - closest associates in war and government e.g Reginald Bray

How many Knights of the Garter did Henry 7 create

37

Why was the Order of the Garter effective for Henry 7

Gave prestige but not power or land

How was the Great Council a useful form of control for the King

A way of gaining agreement and support for any potentially controversial policy

If nobles had agreed to a major decision they could hardly criticise Henry for the policy

What can the Acts of Attainder be seen as

A carrot and a stick

What were the Acts of Attainder

Led to a family losing the right to possess its land or inherit land

How were the Acts of Attainder a sanction for good behaviour

They were reversible

Feudal dues

Money collected to aid Henry financially

4 examples of feudal dues

wardships

marriage

livery

relief

Wardships

King took control of the estates of minors until they became of age - The King would take most of the profits form their estates

Marriage

King could profit from arranged marriages

Controlled marriages to prevent power blocs forming

Relief

King received money as land was inherited - a form of inheritance tax

Crown lands

Policy to bring back as much land as possible into the hands of the Crown

Why did Henry want to use crown lands

Land was power

Acts of Resumption

Recovered for the Crown all properties granted away since 1455

When were the Acts of resumption passed

1486

By controlling the nobility in this way Henry was able to:

Help his own finances

Help restore law and order

Prevent over mighty magnates

Keep control despite being a usurper