How far did the relationship between the crown and the
country change between 1485 and 1603?
The development of a network of personal relationship by
patronage and the granting of land, titles and positions at
Court
In 1485, the nobility were traditional medieval military leaders whose power was
based on their ownership of landed estates. During the war of the roses, the
relationship had become corrupt as the nobility rose against their monarchs.
By the end of the Tudor period, it had become much harder for the nobility to
raise an army against their monarch.
They still had a vital role to play in the government of the localities and the role
of the gentry in local government was enhanced. The gentry looked to the
nobility for advancement in their careers because the nobility had greater access
to royal patronage.
The relationship between Henry VII and the nobility
He was reluctant to give out many rewards and preferred to use a small group of
trusted nobility, gentry and lawyers to control the localities.
Administrators such as Sir Reginald Bray were also rewarded by Henry and used
their position within central government to build up land, power and influence.
Members of the nobility outside of Henry’s circle had to work to earnt their trust.
Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey had fought against Henry at Bosworth and was
imprisoned in the tower, his lands and title were forfeited to Henry. Howard
refused to take the opportunity to escape and join the 1487 rebellion. He was
rewarded to some extent.
Henry was reluctant to promote and extend the power of the nobility that the
number of representatives of noble families dropped from 55 to 42 during his
reign.
The development of patronage under Henry VIII
He saw his nobility as companions in the pastimes he’s enjoyed- hunting,
jousting and military campaigning.
Henry was generous with his grants, rewarding his friends.
The chamber became increasingly politicised. This meant that the men
serving the king in humble positions, were also his friends.
The powers of traditional nobility was further undermined by royal attacks on
those whom Henry distrusted, especially the nobles with lands in the
militarised regions of the welsh and northern marches.
The growth of the royal estates under henry also added to his ability to
manipulate patronage in order to control the localities.
country change between 1485 and 1603?
The development of a network of personal relationship by
patronage and the granting of land, titles and positions at
Court
In 1485, the nobility were traditional medieval military leaders whose power was
based on their ownership of landed estates. During the war of the roses, the
relationship had become corrupt as the nobility rose against their monarchs.
By the end of the Tudor period, it had become much harder for the nobility to
raise an army against their monarch.
They still had a vital role to play in the government of the localities and the role
of the gentry in local government was enhanced. The gentry looked to the
nobility for advancement in their careers because the nobility had greater access
to royal patronage.
The relationship between Henry VII and the nobility
He was reluctant to give out many rewards and preferred to use a small group of
trusted nobility, gentry and lawyers to control the localities.
Administrators such as Sir Reginald Bray were also rewarded by Henry and used
their position within central government to build up land, power and influence.
Members of the nobility outside of Henry’s circle had to work to earnt their trust.
Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey had fought against Henry at Bosworth and was
imprisoned in the tower, his lands and title were forfeited to Henry. Howard
refused to take the opportunity to escape and join the 1487 rebellion. He was
rewarded to some extent.
Henry was reluctant to promote and extend the power of the nobility that the
number of representatives of noble families dropped from 55 to 42 during his
reign.
The development of patronage under Henry VIII
He saw his nobility as companions in the pastimes he’s enjoyed- hunting,
jousting and military campaigning.
Henry was generous with his grants, rewarding his friends.
The chamber became increasingly politicised. This meant that the men
serving the king in humble positions, were also his friends.
The powers of traditional nobility was further undermined by royal attacks on
those whom Henry distrusted, especially the nobles with lands in the
militarised regions of the welsh and northern marches.
The growth of the royal estates under henry also added to his ability to
manipulate patronage in order to control the localities.
