Structure of society
Traditional nobility and greater gentry still a social elite that had political and economic influence.
The Nobility
Increase the size of the nobility but only by 9 more peers than at start of his reign.
Nobles expected to have great households and offer hospitality to their households and neighbours. Households remained crucial to the King in terms of maintaing law and order and the raising of royal armies.
The Gentry
Size of gentry thought to have grown. Increase in number of justices of peace (JPs).
Commoners
Little change in standard of living. However, rise in inflation did lead to a drop in real incomes.
Vast majority of people had few possessions and little chance of regular and stable employmeny.
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