Henry VII Government =
Henry’s government was comprised of three core bodies =
Council –
3 primary functions – to advise the King, to administer the
realm on his behalf, and to make legal judgements.
Had no established features but remained a permanent body
across Henry’s reign. Increasingly Henry would use laymen (not
of the nobility) in the council.
Membership of the council was not necessary to advise the
king. His most influential advisor across his reign would remain
his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort.
Council Learned –
Developed during the second half of Henry’s reign, ran by
Empson and Dudley. Primary functions were to maintain
revenue, and to exploit prerogative rights.
Bypassed the normal legal system, since those brought before
it had no chance of appeal.
Became a hated piece of administration towards the end of
Henry’s reign, and Empson and Dudley were executed soon
after Henry’s death.
Parliament –
Had two primary functions – to pass laws and grant taxation.
However, was not central to government.
Henry demonstrated his right to rule early in his career, by
calling an early parliament. 7 were called across his reign, with
5 being in the first ten years.
Henry’s government was comprised of three core bodies =
Council –
3 primary functions – to advise the King, to administer the
realm on his behalf, and to make legal judgements.
Had no established features but remained a permanent body
across Henry’s reign. Increasingly Henry would use laymen (not
of the nobility) in the council.
Membership of the council was not necessary to advise the
king. His most influential advisor across his reign would remain
his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort.
Council Learned –
Developed during the second half of Henry’s reign, ran by
Empson and Dudley. Primary functions were to maintain
revenue, and to exploit prerogative rights.
Bypassed the normal legal system, since those brought before
it had no chance of appeal.
Became a hated piece of administration towards the end of
Henry’s reign, and Empson and Dudley were executed soon
after Henry’s death.
Parliament –
Had two primary functions – to pass laws and grant taxation.
However, was not central to government.
Henry demonstrated his right to rule early in his career, by
calling an early parliament. 7 were called across his reign, with
5 being in the first ten years.
