Tudors Chapter 8 - Henry VIII, government and parliament

Key Questions:

In what ways and how effectively was England governed during this period?

How important was the role of key individuals and how were they affected by developments?

Government in Henry VIII's early and middle years (1509-40)

Before the 1530s, the functions of Parliament remained the same as during HVII's reign (i.e. to grant extraordinary revenue to the Crown and to pass laws). It could advise the monarch but neither HVIII nor his father ever saw the need to seek advice. Before 1529, Henry only summoned parliaments in 1510, 1512, 1515 and 1523.

Jan-Feb 1510: Abolished the Council Learned in the Law

Feb 1512- Mar 1514: Extraordinary Revenue for invasions of France and Scotland, Anticlerical Act restricting benefit of clergy.

Feb-Dec 1515: Act restricting benefit of clergy not renewed (despite anticlerical atmosphere of the House of Commons)

Apr-Aug 1523: Extraordinary revenue for invasion of France, Sir Thomas More pleads for freedom of speech for MPs.

The 1523 parliament was the only one summoned by Wolsey during his period of dominance (c.1514-29).

Cromwell used Parliament much more frequently.

Nov 1529- Apr 1536: Reformation Parliament

Jun-Jul 1536: New Succession Act following fall of Anne Boleyn

Apr 1539- Jul 1540: Extraordinary revenue for threatened invasion, Act for the Dissolution of the Greater monasteries, Six Articles Act

Jan 1542- March 1544: Extraordinary revenue for invasions of Scotland and France

Nov 1545- Jan 1547: Extraordinary revenue

Wolsey and the end of government by councils

Government consisted of councils from 1509-1514. However, the system broke down because:

·        Older councillors from HVII's reign didn't support war with France

·        Henry wanted greater control over decision making

·        Courtiers shared Henry's criticism of the 'old guard'

·        Henry was impressed by Wolsey's management of the French campaign

Eventually, Wolsey emerged as the dominant political figure due to his close relationship with Henry rather than any official title and was concerned with management of the Church, foreign policy, the legal system, domestic policy and decision making. 

Privy Chamber

Before 1519- outside Wolsey's control.

The Privy Chamber had been established under HVII but grew in influence under HVIII and many members distrusted Wolsey. Wolsey tried to replace the influential Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber with his own supporters in 1519, but most recovered their positions. 

Domestic Policies under Wolsey (1515-29)

Court of chancery

As Lord Chancellor, Wolsey was responsible for overseeing the legal system and had the right to preside over the Court of Chancery. Tried to uphold 'fair' justice and dealt with enclosure, contracts and inherited land but the court became very clogged up with cases.

Court of Star Chamber

Established by Act of Parliament in 1487 as an offshoot of the king's Council but extended from 1516 by Wolsey to provide cheap and fair justice. Wolsey heard cases of misconduct as well as private lawsuits. However, in the latter regard Wolsey was forced to set up 'overflow tribunals' to deal with the amount of cases. A permanent committee set up in 1519 became the…