Henry VII's Government

Structure of Government Under Henry VII

Henry VII's Approach to Governance

  • Early Style: Preferred passing time with good company; participated in pageants, revelry, sports, hunting, and tournaments.

  • Short-Term Governance: Emphasis on governing through councils (revived during 1529-32 and 1540-47).

  • Long-Term Governance: Relied heavily on key figures:

    • Thomas Wolsey: Excelled in managing the Star Chamber.

    • Thomas Cromwell: Developed as the principal secretary.

Controlling the Nobility

Most Effective Method:

  • Through bonds and recognizances and limiting bastard feudalism/retaining.

Bastard Feudalism Explained:

  • Wealthy magnates recruited retainers (administrators, accountants, military personnel).

  • Retainers could be used for unlawful influence in courts or even against the Crown.

  • Henry limited noble military power through anti-retaining legislation while recognizing their importance for security.

Dealing with Bastard Feudalism:

  • Passed Acts of Parliament in 1487 and 1504.

  • Took action against abusers (e.g., Lord Bergavenny in 1506).

  • Balanced legislation with the awareness of nobles as a significant social force.

Councils and Court

The King's Council

  • Supported the King in key decisions:

    • Members: ~227 recorded attendees; actual working council was smaller (6-7 members).

    • Functions:

      1. Advising the King.

      2. Administering the realm.

      3. Making legal judgments.

Types of Councillors

  1. Nobility: Lords Daubeney and Dynham (though great magnates rarely served in the Working Council).

  2. Churchmen: John Morton, Richard Fox (administrators with legal training).

  3. Laymen: Gentry or lawyers (e.g., Sir Reginald Bray, Edmund Dudley).

Structure and Influence

  • No established rules or procedures.

  • Core membership dealt with key administrative concerns in the King’s absence.

  • Professional councillors like Bray and Dudley focused on legal and administrative matters in London.

  • The Council Learned (in Law):

    • Developed in the second half of Henry’s reign.

    • Maintained revenue and enforced prerogative rights.

    • Effectively utilized bonds and recognizances.

    • Known for shady practices and lack of appeal options.

    • Key Figures:

      • Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley (ruthless bureaucrats).

      • Removed after Henry’s death (1509); their downfall was widely celebrated.

Court and Household

Royal Court's Role

  • Central to governance and personal monarchy.

  • Served as a venue for:

    • Displaying the King's wealth and power.

    • Distributing rewards and status.

    • Resolving legal problems.

Levels of Court

  1. Household Proper:

    • Managed personal and catering needs (supervised by the Lord Steward).

  2. Chamber:

    • Politically significant; presided over by the Lord Chamberlain.

    • 1495 Crisis: Lord Chamberlain Sir William Stanley was implicated in treason.

    • Result: Henry created a more secure Privy Chamber, reducing access to the King.

Parliament

Role and Functions

  • Not central to governance; met occasionally.

  • Primary Functions:

    1. Passing laws.

    2. Granting taxation.

    3. Addressing local grievances via MPs.

Key Actions

  • Acts of Attainder: Declared individuals guilty without trial.

  • Extraordinary Revenue: Raised taxation but provoked rebellions (1489, 1497).

Financial Contributions

  • Subsidy from Parliament: £75,000.

  • Convocation of Canterbury: Additional £25,000 from the clergy.

Justice and Maintenance

Magnate Control

  • Relied on nobles in areas like the North (Stanleys, Earl of Surrey).

  • Kept nobles in check through:

    • Spy networks (e.g., Marquis of Dorset).

    • Imposing bonds and recognizances.

JPs (Justices of the Peace)

  • Local administration relied on JPs.

  • Met quarterly at sessions to address:

    • Tax assessments.

    • Law and order.

    • Complaints against local officials.

  • Often local gentry, motivated by prestige or advancement opportunities.

Judicial System

  • Church Courts: Clergy offenses, wills, marriage, moral issues.

  • Local Courts: Manor, Borough, and County Courts.

  • Royal Courts: King’s Bench, Common Pleas, Exchequer.

  • Equity Courts: Dealt with fairness over strict common law.

Royal Finances

Sources of Income

  1. Crown Lands:

    • Income increased from £12,000 to £42,000 annually by end of reign.

  2. Feudal Dues:

    • Exploited rights for revenue (e.g., wardship, feudal aid).

  3. Customs Revenue:

    • Increased slightly (£34,000 to £38,000 annually).

  4. Pensions from Other Powers:

    • Treaty of Etaples: £5,000 annually from France.

  5. Profits of Justice:

    • Included fines and bonds (£200,000 potential revenue from bonds).

  6. Extraordinary Revenue:

    • Total: Over £400,000 raised; caused political unrest.

Legacy

  • Left significant reserves of plate, jewels (£300,000), and cash (£10,000).

  • Focused on securing financial stability but at the cost of targeting landowners, risking their support.