Councils and Orders

What was the Great Council?

Meetings of noblemen called together by King to discuss urgent matters when calling parliament would take too long

How was the Great Council a useful form of control?

This was a sign of trust and a clever way to ensure noble support for measures, once the nobles had agreed to the policy it was hard for them to criticise it

What were the 5 meetings of the Great Council?

1485- announcement of H's marriage, 1487- in response to L Simnel's threat, 1488- authorise a subsidy for the campaign in Brittany, 1491- to authorise war against France, 1496- grant a loan of £120,000 for war in Scotland

What was the King's Council?

Membership of 227 men but King's working council was much smaller: 5, where Henry gathered together his most trusted supporters to give him advice and to take on some of the tasks of day-to-day management of the kingdom

What was the main function of the King’s Council?

Main function to advise the king, make legal judgments, and administer the realm of the king's behalf

Why was the position as the King's councillor important?

A sign of the King's confidence

Which 2 chancellors retained their positions for a long time in KC?

Who held the position of Treasurer in KC?

Earl of Surrey (1501-22)

Who was the Keeper of the Privy Seal in KC?

Richard Fox

Who were Henry's 5 key councillors?

Reginald Bray, Thomas Lovell, Giles Daubeney, Richard Guilford and John Riselly

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, his closest associates in war and government

Why was KOTG effective for Henry?

Gave the recipient prestige but not power or land