Henry VIII Government
Parliament –
Before the 1530’s there was little to suggest Henry would have
a different relationship to parliament than his father. Neither
sought advice, and only used it as a vehicle to pass laws and
grant taxation.
Councils –
Conciliar approach to government was adopted at the start of
Henry’s reign until 1514, in which the council broke down due
to reluctance to enter a war with France.
It finally collapsed due to Henry’s increased confidence to rule
by himself, and his appreciation of the skills of Wolsey.
Wolsey complemented Henry’s hands-off approach, and by
1519 had secured the removal of all opposition within the Privy
Council. However, half of this group would later recover its
position.
, Domestic Policy under Wolsey –
Court of Chancery – As Lord Chancellor, he had the right to
preside over this court. Attempted to uphold popular fair
justice, but quickly became clogged up.
Court of Star Chamber – became the centre of government and
justice under Wolsey, aiming to expand cheap and fair justice.
He also encouraged the use of private lawsuits, a practice that
became quickly popular.
Tudor Subsidy – Wolsey set up a national committee to assess
tax, rather than the unreliable local commissions that had
previously been used. Extraordinary revenue became much
more realistic.
Amicable Grant – an unintended effect of the subsidy was that
extraordinary revenue was lowered, so Wolsey attempted to
raise unparliamentary taxation, causing widespread discontent.
Eltham Ordinances – Introduced in 1526 to reform the privy
council. Also allowed for the removal of many Gentlemen.
Most importantly he was able to promote a more compliant
Groom of the Stool.
Parliament –
Before the 1530’s there was little to suggest Henry would have
a different relationship to parliament than his father. Neither
sought advice, and only used it as a vehicle to pass laws and
grant taxation.
Councils –
Conciliar approach to government was adopted at the start of
Henry’s reign until 1514, in which the council broke down due
to reluctance to enter a war with France.
It finally collapsed due to Henry’s increased confidence to rule
by himself, and his appreciation of the skills of Wolsey.
Wolsey complemented Henry’s hands-off approach, and by
1519 had secured the removal of all opposition within the Privy
Council. However, half of this group would later recover its
position.
, Domestic Policy under Wolsey –
Court of Chancery – As Lord Chancellor, he had the right to
preside over this court. Attempted to uphold popular fair
justice, but quickly became clogged up.
Court of Star Chamber – became the centre of government and
justice under Wolsey, aiming to expand cheap and fair justice.
He also encouraged the use of private lawsuits, a practice that
became quickly popular.
Tudor Subsidy – Wolsey set up a national committee to assess
tax, rather than the unreliable local commissions that had
previously been used. Extraordinary revenue became much
more realistic.
Amicable Grant – an unintended effect of the subsidy was that
extraordinary revenue was lowered, so Wolsey attempted to
raise unparliamentary taxation, causing widespread discontent.
Eltham Ordinances – Introduced in 1526 to reform the privy
council. Also allowed for the removal of many Gentlemen.
Most importantly he was able to promote a more compliant
Groom of the Stool.
