Henry VIII Society
Nobility –
Size of the nobility increased during Henry’s reign, with most
achieving their rank through the court or the military. A close
relationship to the King was a clear benefit for political
advancement.
Henry often dealt with the Nobility in a brutal way, for example
he executed the Duke of Birmingham, whom he had inherited
from his father, on the vaguest of treason charges.
There were also around 5000 gentry families in England by
1540. The term ‘Gentleman’ continued to lack proper
definition, but could be validated through a knighthood, or
ownership of a coat of arms.
The numbers of gentry increased in Henry’s reign, especially
those in local administration, such as Justices of the Peace. The
gentry also increasingly encouraged their sons to partake in
legal training.
Commoners –
Experienced little real change in living standards throughout
the first half of the reign, however the rise in inflation did
promote a drop in real wages. This was made worse by the
Amicable Grant.
Nobility –
Size of the nobility increased during Henry’s reign, with most
achieving their rank through the court or the military. A close
relationship to the King was a clear benefit for political
advancement.
Henry often dealt with the Nobility in a brutal way, for example
he executed the Duke of Birmingham, whom he had inherited
from his father, on the vaguest of treason charges.
There were also around 5000 gentry families in England by
1540. The term ‘Gentleman’ continued to lack proper
definition, but could be validated through a knighthood, or
ownership of a coat of arms.
The numbers of gentry increased in Henry’s reign, especially
those in local administration, such as Justices of the Peace. The
gentry also increasingly encouraged their sons to partake in
legal training.
Commoners –
Experienced little real change in living standards throughout
the first half of the reign, however the rise in inflation did
promote a drop in real wages. This was made worse by the
Amicable Grant.
