Henry VII Society
Nobility –
Still dominated land ownership, however Henry’s distrust of the
class limited further growth they had enjoyed under Edward VI.
Only trusted Lancastrian commanders (e.g. Earl of Oxford) had
political significance. In the place of the nobility, a professional
bourgeoisie emerged. This was in part a result of the increased
social mobility that the Black Death had allowed.
Henry sought to limit retaining, as it could prove a threat if left
uninhibited. In 1486, Nobles had to take an oath against illegal
retaining. This act was further reinforced in 1504.
Gentry –
375 existed by 1490, which owned around 15-20% of the
countries land. They often dominated local office.
The most important members, such as Sir Reginald Bray, sought
Knighthoods. Many of the lesser gentry were limited to much
humbler aims, however.
Churchmen –
Important as landowners, however wealth of clergy varied
wildly. Bishops were significant national political figures who
could sit in the house of lords. However, the upper clergy
became less socially exclusive under Henry VII.
Henry chose bishops with legal training over their individual
spirituality. The two most important clergymen of the era, John
Morton and Richard Fox, were chosen for this reason.
, Common people –
The relatively small number of educated professionals
dominated local office. Shopkeepers and skilled tradesmen
would remain respected positions.
The reduced demand for land following the black death
allowed for the development of yeoman farmers as a class.
However, the position of most farmers remained insecure.
England remained divided on agricultural lines, with a
continued distinction between North and South. ¾ of the
populations lived in areas of mixed farming.
The continued administration of justice at a local level
reinforced regional identity.
The conditions for the poor improved across Henry’s reign due
to the rise in real wages. England was able to avoid a
subsistence crisis that affected many growing populations
across Europe. However, certain inflationary pressures had
begun to appear by the 1590’s.
Popular Uprisings under Henry VII =
Nobility –
Still dominated land ownership, however Henry’s distrust of the
class limited further growth they had enjoyed under Edward VI.
Only trusted Lancastrian commanders (e.g. Earl of Oxford) had
political significance. In the place of the nobility, a professional
bourgeoisie emerged. This was in part a result of the increased
social mobility that the Black Death had allowed.
Henry sought to limit retaining, as it could prove a threat if left
uninhibited. In 1486, Nobles had to take an oath against illegal
retaining. This act was further reinforced in 1504.
Gentry –
375 existed by 1490, which owned around 15-20% of the
countries land. They often dominated local office.
The most important members, such as Sir Reginald Bray, sought
Knighthoods. Many of the lesser gentry were limited to much
humbler aims, however.
Churchmen –
Important as landowners, however wealth of clergy varied
wildly. Bishops were significant national political figures who
could sit in the house of lords. However, the upper clergy
became less socially exclusive under Henry VII.
Henry chose bishops with legal training over their individual
spirituality. The two most important clergymen of the era, John
Morton and Richard Fox, were chosen for this reason.
, Common people –
The relatively small number of educated professionals
dominated local office. Shopkeepers and skilled tradesmen
would remain respected positions.
The reduced demand for land following the black death
allowed for the development of yeoman farmers as a class.
However, the position of most farmers remained insecure.
England remained divided on agricultural lines, with a
continued distinction between North and South. ¾ of the
populations lived in areas of mixed farming.
The continued administration of justice at a local level
reinforced regional identity.
The conditions for the poor improved across Henry’s reign due
to the rise in real wages. England was able to avoid a
subsistence crisis that affected many growing populations
across Europe. However, certain inflationary pressures had
begun to appear by the 1590’s.
Popular Uprisings under Henry VII =
