Establishing 'Good Governance': Government and Administration under Henry VII

?

Central Government

The King's Council

  • The centre of medieval English government- The King himself and the men he chose to sit on his council.
  • Functions of the council- advise the King over matters of state, administer law and order, act in judicial capacity in the prosecution of the nobles.
  • Total of 227 councillors during Henry's reign.
  • Not more than 150 at any one time- most rearely attended meetings.
  • Difficult to control council which lead Henry to rely on a small group of councillors who met with the King regurlarly. 
  • This elit group included chief officers of state;

- The Lord Chancellor (John Morton); resposible for adminstration.

- The Lord Privy Seal (Richard Fox); responsible for the seals to enforce royal orders.

- The Lord Treasurer (Lord Dynham); resposible for finance.

  • Other key figures included Sir Reginald Bray, Lord Daubeny and Sir John Riseley.
  • These men gave stability to the new regime because Henry kept them in power for so long.
  • In order to imprive the efficiency of central government, Henry decided to use smaller committees formed from withing the council on a more regular basis. 

Star Chamber

  • Historians have debated the importance of this court of law.
  • Created by the Star Chamber Act in 1487.
  • Resposible for prosecuting anyone who behaved in a rebellious or lawless manner.
  • Members of the Royal Council - the King's most favoured advisors - sat on the court to make these judgements so it was possible…

Comments

No comments have yet been made