Wolsey's Domestic Policy
Some key features of Wolsey's domestic policy around 1510-25ish.
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- Created by: Patrick Thomas
- Created on: 15-03-13 12:21
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- Wolsey's Domestic Policy
- Enclosure (fencing off of land).
- Took around 260 people to court which was rare and there were over 200 successful prosecutions.
- The fact that he dealt with it highlights that he managed to do a lot whilst busy with foreign policy.
- Higher classes liked enclosure so disliked Wolsey. He liked to help the lower classes due to his lower class background.
- In stopping enclosure he was continuing with a backwards way of doing things.
- Changes to the Justice System
- Encouraged the Star Chamber - anyone of ANY CLASS could go and see him.
- Led to a backlog of appointments.
- Promoted Civil law (treating each case individually) over Common law (having set rules and punishments). Undermined Common law by promoting civil law, chancery and the star chamber.
- Made no lasting changes.
- Encouraged the Star Chamber - anyone of ANY CLASS could go and see him.
- Finance
- Replaced 15ths and 10ths (set rates) with subsidies (more like income tax)
- Anyone in charge of tax will be unpopular
- :) new system brought in more money
- He often asked for extra money - usually to be spent on foreign policy
- Led to humiliating events such as the Amicable Grant Riots (1525)
- The Church (Ecclesiastical Affairs)
- Had to deal with Anti clericalism people not finding the church very holy. Church too focused on money and not entirely honest.
- The Hunne affair (1515) Richard Hunne (London Merchant) unhappy about mortuary fees after son's death. Imprisoned and later found dead > uproar.
- Strengthened the church's position - taxing them more (upset Henry and Pope but popular with the public). Proposed reform in the church - some monks and abbots were replaced for not living the holiest lifestyle.
- Hindered the situation: exploited his ecclesiastical privileges - pluralist - reaped benefits from multiple jobs. Too focused on personal gain - never went to see the areas he was in charge of. Nepotism - gave jobs to family/friends instead of fair employment process. Heavy handed way of doing things.
- Didn't make any lasting changes - hard when trying to please the crown and church.
- Enclosure (fencing off of land).
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