Henry VII - Controlling the nobility

Why was the nobility a threat to Henry VII?

He was a usurper, which proved that anyone could take the throne by force

During the reign of Henry VII, how much did the number of major peers decrease?

From 16 to 10

How did Henry VII use patronage?

Only rewarded his most faithful servants and kept others loyal with the prospect of future patronage; he expected people to earn patronage (unlike previous monarchs)

Examples of patronage?

- Jasper Tudor was made Duke of Bedford and was restored to his Welsh estates

- Sir Reginald Bray accumulated land in 18 counties, worth over £1000 per annum when he died

What was the Order of the Garter?

A significant honour reserved for the King's closest servants.

How many Knights of the Garter did Henry create?

37

What was the King' council?

A position on the Kings council was a sign of the King's confidence

What was the Great Council?

Meetings of noblemen called together by the King to discuss high matters of state

How was the Great Council used for control?

They were a way of gaining agreement and support of his most important subjects for any potentially controversial policy

When were meetings of the Great council held? (two examples)

1485 - calling Parliament and announcing Henry's marriage

1487 - In response to the Simnel threat

What were Acts of Attainder?

Acts that allowed people to be found guilty of treason without trial and caused a family to lose the right to possess its land

How many acts of attainder did Henry VII pass and reverse?

138 passed

46 reversed

How many acts of attainder were issued in the first five years of Henry's reign?

64

How many acts of attainder were passed in the last five years of Henry's reign?

51

Example of an act of attainder?

Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey had fought against Henry in the Battle of Bosworth and his lands were attainted and he was imprisoned. He was restored to his title after he was released in 1489 and his estates were fully returned in 1492

What was a bond?

A written agreement in which people promised to pay a sum of money if they failed to carry out their promise

What was a recognisance?

A formal acknowledgement of a debt or obligation that already existed, with the understanding to pay money if this obligation was not met

How many noble families gave bonds and/or recognisances to Henry during his reign?

36 out of 62 noble families

Which payments were a part of feudal dues?

Wardship, Marriage, Livery, Relief, Escheats

How much was Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Buckingham, fined for marrying without the King's license?

£7000 in 1496

How much did the proceeds from wardship and marriage increase from 1487 to 1507?

£350 to £6,000

What was retaining?

Long-held noble practice of recruiting gentry followers (could be used as local fighting forces)

How did Henry try to limit retaining?

The Lords and Commons had to swear in the 1485 parliament that they would not retain illegally

What was the 1504 act against retaining?

It had a penalty of £5 per month per illegal retainer