Henry VII and the nobility
- Created by: xmeganbakerx
- Created on: 10-04-19 18:02
View mindmap
- Henry VII and the nobility
- Why were they a problem?
- They were partly responsible for causing the Wars of the Roses in the 1450s and 60s.
- There was nothing stopping another powerful noble overthrowing Henry.
- Given their wealth and power, it was vital Henry controlled them.
- Why were they vital?
- He needed their help and advice to rule.
- He needed them to enforce royal will in the localities.
- They were required to fill key offices.
- Inducements
- He gave many who supported Richard at Bosworth a 2nd chance.
- He established the Order of the Garter, seen as prestigious.
- He gave patronage in return for loyal services, not in the hope of loyal service. Nobles had to prove they were loyal.
- He issued summons to the King's Council, a sign of trust.
- Sanctions
- Acts of Attainder damaged families as they lost the right to possess land, bringing social and economic disaster. They could be reversed as a result of good behaviour.
- Bonds and recognisances were written agreements where nobles who had offended Henry paid him money or paid money as security for future behaviour.
- This discouraged potentially disloyal nobles.
- Limits were placed on noble retainers; they now needed a license and this was followed by a heavy fine if not.
- Lord Burgavenny was fined over £70k.
- Henry asserted his feudal rights over marriage, profiting from the arranged marriage of heirs and by exploiting the estates of wards.
- Henry took back former royal land, seen with the Act of Resumption in 1486. This made the king wealthier and more powerful than any noble.
- Effectiveness
- There was little unrest after Simnel's defeat.
- The number of overmighty subjects was reduced.
- The number of new nobles created was limited and so elevation was seen as a great privilege.
- Why were they a problem?
Comments
No comments have yet been made