The government of Henry VIII’s reign had nothing in common with that of Henry VIIs,
how far do you agree.
It is true that the Government of both monarchs looked very different throughout this time
(1485- 1547). Especially in terms of parliament, form of government (monasterial or councillor)
and the legal system. Despite both monarchs reforming these areas of government, there is
continuity of ideas throughout each reign. Therefore, it is not a valid claim that Henry VII’s reign
had nothing in common with that of Henry VIII’s. The largest difference in government can be
seen through the form of government and the change from conciliar to monasterial, secondly is
through the use of parliament and thirdly the legal system.
An area of government which most aligns with the idea that Henry VIII’s government had
nothing in common with that of Henry VII’s is through the form of government – whether that be
conciliar or ministerial. Throughout the whole of Henry’s reign, he relied on councillor
government. He relied on a royal council made up of 237 men from all different areas of society
– gentry, nobility, clergy – to advise him on the running’s of government. Whereas Henry VIII
was uninterested in the details of government and therefore while he spent time holding
jousting competitions, he relied on one person to in effect rule for him – Wolsey (1512-28) and
Cromwell (1532-40). He gave them so much power that Wolsey was referred to as the ‘Alter
Rex’. This shows a complete contrast in terms of government in their reigns– as where Henry VII
relied on the advice of hundreds on men and wanted to dictate policy on his own from the
advice of others, Henry VIII relied on just one man at a time to make decisions for him. However,
it must be acknowledged that Henry VII only truly relied on around 7 chief advisors for the day-
to-day running of the country, such as Bray or Edmund Dudley. As well as this, throughout
Henry VIII’s reign, there was 3 periods of conciliar government – at the start and end of his reign,
as well as after the fall of Wolsey (1528-32). Therefore, despite overall following very different
method of governance, in reality, there were times when the running’s of government were very
similar across the two monarchs. Thus showing that the statement is convincing as it is true that
they had, for the majority, very different methods of governance (conciliar and ministerial).
However, it is an exaggeration to suggest they had ‘nothing in common’ as there were periods
were they both followed conciliar government.
Another area of government which mostly aligns with the argument that Henry VIII’s reign had
nothing in common with that of Henry VII’s was the use of parliament throughout their reigns.
Throughout Henry VII’s reign, parliament’s role was to pass laws and grant taxation. However,
Henry’s use of parliament across his reign was very limited – only calling parliament seven times
in nearly 25 years, and therefore he relied on ruling through decrees and proclamations. Thus
showing that he instead avoided the use of parliament – demonstrated as he only used
parliament twice in the second half of his reign. This is very similar to the start of Henry VIII’s
reign, whereby in Wolsey’s period of dominance (1512-28) he only used parliament twice – in
1515 and 1523 as he needed money for wars with France. Thus contradicting the statement that
government through their reigns had ‘nothing’ in common as this clearly shows a continuity of
policy. However, after the downfall of Wolsey, Henry called upon a ‘reformation parliament’
which lasted seven years. In these years, parliament became omnicompetent (held complete
authority over the realm) and thus Henry VIII’s recognised that monarchical power was strongest
through the use of parliament: ‘we at no time stand so highly… as in the time of parliament’
(Henry VIII). Through this parliament, the nature of parliament and government fundamentally
changed. For example, it went against centuries of religious policy and made Henry VIII head of
the church – through the Act of Supremacy, 1534. Thus showing that by the end of Henry VIII’s
reign – his use of parliament completely contrasted that of Henry VII. Thus making the
statement mostly convincing, as although at the end of Henry VII’s reign start of Henry VIII’s,
use of parliament was consistent, by the end of Henry VIII’s reign, use of Parliament was nothing
of how it was under Henry VII.
The area of most continuity, and thus most critical of the statement is the legal system as
throughout the reign of both monarchs they developed similar ideas. This can be seen through
the use of the Court of the Star Chamber, established by an Act of Parliament in 1487 (Henry
,VII’s reign). When established, it’s main purpose was to deal with rebellious behaviour of Henry’s
subjects. However, it is often claimed that the Court of the Star Chamber under Henry VII was
not especially standardised. This is in contrast to in Henry’s reign in which the Court of the Star
Chamber was reformed and became so popular that it dealt with ten times the amount of cases
than in Henry VII’s reign and had to open overflow tribunals, thus showing that although Henry
VIII’s use of the court had little in common than in Henry VII’s reign, there was continuity of the
establishment and use of the court. This demonstrates that it’s unrealistic to say they had
‘nothing’ in common but is true there was differences. However, the Court of the Star Chamber
under Wolsey became the centre of fair justice, as he changed the legal system, so it no longer
stood on common law, but instead civil war. This restricted the nobility’s power, as Wolsey
ensured they were no longer above the law. For example, in 1517, the Earl of Northumberland
was fined £10,000 fined to contempt of court. This is similar to the Council Learned in law under
the reign of Henry VII. This court, established by Sir Reginald Bray in 1495, exploited the kings’
prerogative rights – ensuring control over the nobility. For example Lord Abergavenny was fined
£70,500 in 1504 due to the illegal retaining of 471 men. Thus showing that throughout both
reigns, the government aimed to decreased nobility power through the legal system. This shows
continuity of policy, and thus making the statement unconvincing. Therefore, it is unrealistic to
state that the government of Henry VIII’s reign had ‘nothing’ in common with that of Henry VIII
as although there was difference in the use of the courts, there was continuity found within aims
of government.
Overall, there was much change throughout the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII in terms of
government through parliament, form of government, and the legal system. Seen as Henry VIII
exploited Parliament’s power and change the way in which the monarch passed laws, through
form of government as Henry had no interest in government and thus handed it over to
ministers and the use of different legal courts. However, it is unrealistic to state that their reigns
had ‘nothing’ in common as there was continuity in the type of government at different times –
with Henry VIII resorting back to conciliar government, both monarchs restricting the power of
the nobility, and both using parliament mainly as a source of extraordinary revenue. Therefore,
overall the statement is unconvincing.
,Comparison of Foreign policy (Henry VII v Henry VIII)
Where Henry VII foreign policy was much more defensive as he needed to secure the
Tudor dynasty. He was aware of his weak claim + used his foreign policy to try and
combat this. Henry VIII’s foreign policy was attacking + aimed to conquer.
Military – Very similar = defensive where needs be // both fought against the French. Must be
recognised that Henry VII rarely sought for international recognition – only as a way to secure his
dynasty // Henry VIII sought to be a warrior king.
- Henry VII = more defensive
o Defeated England against the Scottish when at war due to Perkin Warbeck
1496 = Scottish invasion – Warbeck + James IV
Scotland destroyed defences such as Twizel castle // retreated when
Lord Neville led his forces to Newcastle.
// Warbeck only received support from 14000 men
o To defend Brittany against France
Henry allowed unofficial aid to Brittany – 500 men under Lord Scales (uncle
of Elizabeth York)
// he also issued an apology to French
Scales killed – St Aubin du Corbier – 18th July 1488
o // when he did attack – Oct 1492 = Siege Boulogne
Against French for Britton independence
= 2 days later – Treaty of Etaples
= £159,000 pension to remove all troops from France
- Wanted to be a warrior king
o France
1st French wars – Battle of the Spurs = Henry VIII captured the towns of
Therouanne + Tournai (sold back in 1518 for 600,000 crowns)
= quickly gained military recognition + authority in foreign
countries = chance of invasion.
= exploited in propaganda.
Elton ‘nothing more than a futile sideshow’
2nd French War – after the treaty of Bruges, 1521 = Henry declared War on
the French (1522-23) – meant to last 3 years.
= The Duke of Suffolk landed in France with 11,000 with plans to
attack Boulogne// exploited by Charles V as he used them as a
deterrent as he went to war with Francis I
= Wolsey search for peace with France
o Scotland
Battle of Flodden 1513 (Louis XII encouraged Scotland to launch an attack)
Catherine of Aragon organises the English force of 16,000 v James
35,000.
Only 4,000 deaths – compared with Scottish 10,000
= establish himself as a great warrior king – simultaneously
defeating the French and the Scottish. = defensive like his father //
attacking at the same time.
Marriage Alliances – both unsuccessful
- Henry VIII = Medina Del Campo - 1489
o Marriage to Arthur + Catherine – secure alliance after his death also
o Henry attempted to restore lost English lands from Brittany.
o He enlisted the support of Spain.
o Establish his dynasty through the betrothal of his son, Prince Arthur to Catherine
of Aragon + secure his name in Spain (upcoming foreign power).
o Despite Arthurs death in 1502, longer term this alliance led to the marriage his
second son Henry VIII = securing his dynasty after his death.
- 1502 – Treaty of perpetual peace.
o Betrothal between Maragret + King James IV – took place in 1503 = security over
Scottish border
, // needed to be recognised that Henry proposed this marriage years before
with Maragaret’s birth in 1489 + only in response to Spain’s input.
= perhaps an inability for him to quickly get marriage alliance = by
inability to secure his own after Elizabeths death in 1503.
- Henry VIII
o = Treaty of London 1518
= Marriage between Mary + Francois – the son of the French King Louis XII
o 1521 Treaty of Bruges
Mary promised to Charles instead.
o = Marriage to Anne of Cleves with Protestant Germans.
1540 = Thomas Cromwell negotiated the marriage to Anne of Cleves as
part as a closer Alliance to League of Schmalkalden.
1542 = Henry invaded Scotland to try to force the Scots to agree to the
marriage of Edward + Mary Stuart.
The Battle of Soloway Moss = a success for the English – a few
weeks later, James V died – leaving Mary as queen.
o Edward + Mary betrothed // the Scottish Parliament refused
to ratify the treaty.
Henry sent Edward Seymour to attack – punish Edinburgh, St
Andrews …
o Must be acknowledged that while the battle to get the
marriage was successful, the marriage wasn’t = military
action more successful than marriage alliances.
Diplomatic treaties
- Henry VII = in order to try and deal with pretenders.
o Etaples
o Big powers recognised England limited power
Treaty of Dordrecht – Feb 1489 = Henry sends 3,000 troops to max to
relieve garrison under seize by French.
// he didn’t honour his side to provide troops to save Brittany
independence.
He makes peace with Charles in July 1489.
Treaty of Medina del Campo
March 1489 = recover lost territories of England
o // Ferdinand + Isabelle distracted by the Moors.
o = often left his self-isolated
1508 League of Cambrai – France, Spain, HRE alliance.
o // Treaty of 1496 Intercursus Magnus = Phillip withdrew all support for Warbeck
And ended the embargo on English trade
Important as Antwerp = ‘the commercial metropolis of Europe’.
1506 intecursus malus = even more advantageous to England // didn’t go
through.
- Henry VIII = undid fathers treaties
o Treaty of Etaples
At the start of his reign, in 1510 – his ministers attempted to renew the
Treaty of Etaples.
// he wanted to be a warrior king
o = go to war with them = Henry lost the 725,000 gold from
the Treaty of Etaples.
o To keep himself safe admits the wars between Spain + France (defensive) = in
constant alliances.
After HRE + French peace treaty, the Year after the Treaty of Noyon (French
and Spain Treaty 1516) = Henry VIII dangerously isolated
= Treaty of London – English + French representivies agree on
‘Treaty of perpetual peace’ = expanded into including 20 countries.
They were now a united front against the threat of the Ottoman
Empire.
how far do you agree.
It is true that the Government of both monarchs looked very different throughout this time
(1485- 1547). Especially in terms of parliament, form of government (monasterial or councillor)
and the legal system. Despite both monarchs reforming these areas of government, there is
continuity of ideas throughout each reign. Therefore, it is not a valid claim that Henry VII’s reign
had nothing in common with that of Henry VIII’s. The largest difference in government can be
seen through the form of government and the change from conciliar to monasterial, secondly is
through the use of parliament and thirdly the legal system.
An area of government which most aligns with the idea that Henry VIII’s government had
nothing in common with that of Henry VII’s is through the form of government – whether that be
conciliar or ministerial. Throughout the whole of Henry’s reign, he relied on councillor
government. He relied on a royal council made up of 237 men from all different areas of society
– gentry, nobility, clergy – to advise him on the running’s of government. Whereas Henry VIII
was uninterested in the details of government and therefore while he spent time holding
jousting competitions, he relied on one person to in effect rule for him – Wolsey (1512-28) and
Cromwell (1532-40). He gave them so much power that Wolsey was referred to as the ‘Alter
Rex’. This shows a complete contrast in terms of government in their reigns– as where Henry VII
relied on the advice of hundreds on men and wanted to dictate policy on his own from the
advice of others, Henry VIII relied on just one man at a time to make decisions for him. However,
it must be acknowledged that Henry VII only truly relied on around 7 chief advisors for the day-
to-day running of the country, such as Bray or Edmund Dudley. As well as this, throughout
Henry VIII’s reign, there was 3 periods of conciliar government – at the start and end of his reign,
as well as after the fall of Wolsey (1528-32). Therefore, despite overall following very different
method of governance, in reality, there were times when the running’s of government were very
similar across the two monarchs. Thus showing that the statement is convincing as it is true that
they had, for the majority, very different methods of governance (conciliar and ministerial).
However, it is an exaggeration to suggest they had ‘nothing in common’ as there were periods
were they both followed conciliar government.
Another area of government which mostly aligns with the argument that Henry VIII’s reign had
nothing in common with that of Henry VII’s was the use of parliament throughout their reigns.
Throughout Henry VII’s reign, parliament’s role was to pass laws and grant taxation. However,
Henry’s use of parliament across his reign was very limited – only calling parliament seven times
in nearly 25 years, and therefore he relied on ruling through decrees and proclamations. Thus
showing that he instead avoided the use of parliament – demonstrated as he only used
parliament twice in the second half of his reign. This is very similar to the start of Henry VIII’s
reign, whereby in Wolsey’s period of dominance (1512-28) he only used parliament twice – in
1515 and 1523 as he needed money for wars with France. Thus contradicting the statement that
government through their reigns had ‘nothing’ in common as this clearly shows a continuity of
policy. However, after the downfall of Wolsey, Henry called upon a ‘reformation parliament’
which lasted seven years. In these years, parliament became omnicompetent (held complete
authority over the realm) and thus Henry VIII’s recognised that monarchical power was strongest
through the use of parliament: ‘we at no time stand so highly… as in the time of parliament’
(Henry VIII). Through this parliament, the nature of parliament and government fundamentally
changed. For example, it went against centuries of religious policy and made Henry VIII head of
the church – through the Act of Supremacy, 1534. Thus showing that by the end of Henry VIII’s
reign – his use of parliament completely contrasted that of Henry VII. Thus making the
statement mostly convincing, as although at the end of Henry VII’s reign start of Henry VIII’s,
use of parliament was consistent, by the end of Henry VIII’s reign, use of Parliament was nothing
of how it was under Henry VII.
The area of most continuity, and thus most critical of the statement is the legal system as
throughout the reign of both monarchs they developed similar ideas. This can be seen through
the use of the Court of the Star Chamber, established by an Act of Parliament in 1487 (Henry
,VII’s reign). When established, it’s main purpose was to deal with rebellious behaviour of Henry’s
subjects. However, it is often claimed that the Court of the Star Chamber under Henry VII was
not especially standardised. This is in contrast to in Henry’s reign in which the Court of the Star
Chamber was reformed and became so popular that it dealt with ten times the amount of cases
than in Henry VII’s reign and had to open overflow tribunals, thus showing that although Henry
VIII’s use of the court had little in common than in Henry VII’s reign, there was continuity of the
establishment and use of the court. This demonstrates that it’s unrealistic to say they had
‘nothing’ in common but is true there was differences. However, the Court of the Star Chamber
under Wolsey became the centre of fair justice, as he changed the legal system, so it no longer
stood on common law, but instead civil war. This restricted the nobility’s power, as Wolsey
ensured they were no longer above the law. For example, in 1517, the Earl of Northumberland
was fined £10,000 fined to contempt of court. This is similar to the Council Learned in law under
the reign of Henry VII. This court, established by Sir Reginald Bray in 1495, exploited the kings’
prerogative rights – ensuring control over the nobility. For example Lord Abergavenny was fined
£70,500 in 1504 due to the illegal retaining of 471 men. Thus showing that throughout both
reigns, the government aimed to decreased nobility power through the legal system. This shows
continuity of policy, and thus making the statement unconvincing. Therefore, it is unrealistic to
state that the government of Henry VIII’s reign had ‘nothing’ in common with that of Henry VIII
as although there was difference in the use of the courts, there was continuity found within aims
of government.
Overall, there was much change throughout the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII in terms of
government through parliament, form of government, and the legal system. Seen as Henry VIII
exploited Parliament’s power and change the way in which the monarch passed laws, through
form of government as Henry had no interest in government and thus handed it over to
ministers and the use of different legal courts. However, it is unrealistic to state that their reigns
had ‘nothing’ in common as there was continuity in the type of government at different times –
with Henry VIII resorting back to conciliar government, both monarchs restricting the power of
the nobility, and both using parliament mainly as a source of extraordinary revenue. Therefore,
overall the statement is unconvincing.
,Comparison of Foreign policy (Henry VII v Henry VIII)
Where Henry VII foreign policy was much more defensive as he needed to secure the
Tudor dynasty. He was aware of his weak claim + used his foreign policy to try and
combat this. Henry VIII’s foreign policy was attacking + aimed to conquer.
Military – Very similar = defensive where needs be // both fought against the French. Must be
recognised that Henry VII rarely sought for international recognition – only as a way to secure his
dynasty // Henry VIII sought to be a warrior king.
- Henry VII = more defensive
o Defeated England against the Scottish when at war due to Perkin Warbeck
1496 = Scottish invasion – Warbeck + James IV
Scotland destroyed defences such as Twizel castle // retreated when
Lord Neville led his forces to Newcastle.
// Warbeck only received support from 14000 men
o To defend Brittany against France
Henry allowed unofficial aid to Brittany – 500 men under Lord Scales (uncle
of Elizabeth York)
// he also issued an apology to French
Scales killed – St Aubin du Corbier – 18th July 1488
o // when he did attack – Oct 1492 = Siege Boulogne
Against French for Britton independence
= 2 days later – Treaty of Etaples
= £159,000 pension to remove all troops from France
- Wanted to be a warrior king
o France
1st French wars – Battle of the Spurs = Henry VIII captured the towns of
Therouanne + Tournai (sold back in 1518 for 600,000 crowns)
= quickly gained military recognition + authority in foreign
countries = chance of invasion.
= exploited in propaganda.
Elton ‘nothing more than a futile sideshow’
2nd French War – after the treaty of Bruges, 1521 = Henry declared War on
the French (1522-23) – meant to last 3 years.
= The Duke of Suffolk landed in France with 11,000 with plans to
attack Boulogne// exploited by Charles V as he used them as a
deterrent as he went to war with Francis I
= Wolsey search for peace with France
o Scotland
Battle of Flodden 1513 (Louis XII encouraged Scotland to launch an attack)
Catherine of Aragon organises the English force of 16,000 v James
35,000.
Only 4,000 deaths – compared with Scottish 10,000
= establish himself as a great warrior king – simultaneously
defeating the French and the Scottish. = defensive like his father //
attacking at the same time.
Marriage Alliances – both unsuccessful
- Henry VIII = Medina Del Campo - 1489
o Marriage to Arthur + Catherine – secure alliance after his death also
o Henry attempted to restore lost English lands from Brittany.
o He enlisted the support of Spain.
o Establish his dynasty through the betrothal of his son, Prince Arthur to Catherine
of Aragon + secure his name in Spain (upcoming foreign power).
o Despite Arthurs death in 1502, longer term this alliance led to the marriage his
second son Henry VIII = securing his dynasty after his death.
- 1502 – Treaty of perpetual peace.
o Betrothal between Maragret + King James IV – took place in 1503 = security over
Scottish border
, // needed to be recognised that Henry proposed this marriage years before
with Maragaret’s birth in 1489 + only in response to Spain’s input.
= perhaps an inability for him to quickly get marriage alliance = by
inability to secure his own after Elizabeths death in 1503.
- Henry VIII
o = Treaty of London 1518
= Marriage between Mary + Francois – the son of the French King Louis XII
o 1521 Treaty of Bruges
Mary promised to Charles instead.
o = Marriage to Anne of Cleves with Protestant Germans.
1540 = Thomas Cromwell negotiated the marriage to Anne of Cleves as
part as a closer Alliance to League of Schmalkalden.
1542 = Henry invaded Scotland to try to force the Scots to agree to the
marriage of Edward + Mary Stuart.
The Battle of Soloway Moss = a success for the English – a few
weeks later, James V died – leaving Mary as queen.
o Edward + Mary betrothed // the Scottish Parliament refused
to ratify the treaty.
Henry sent Edward Seymour to attack – punish Edinburgh, St
Andrews …
o Must be acknowledged that while the battle to get the
marriage was successful, the marriage wasn’t = military
action more successful than marriage alliances.
Diplomatic treaties
- Henry VII = in order to try and deal with pretenders.
o Etaples
o Big powers recognised England limited power
Treaty of Dordrecht – Feb 1489 = Henry sends 3,000 troops to max to
relieve garrison under seize by French.
// he didn’t honour his side to provide troops to save Brittany
independence.
He makes peace with Charles in July 1489.
Treaty of Medina del Campo
March 1489 = recover lost territories of England
o // Ferdinand + Isabelle distracted by the Moors.
o = often left his self-isolated
1508 League of Cambrai – France, Spain, HRE alliance.
o // Treaty of 1496 Intercursus Magnus = Phillip withdrew all support for Warbeck
And ended the embargo on English trade
Important as Antwerp = ‘the commercial metropolis of Europe’.
1506 intecursus malus = even more advantageous to England // didn’t go
through.
- Henry VIII = undid fathers treaties
o Treaty of Etaples
At the start of his reign, in 1510 – his ministers attempted to renew the
Treaty of Etaples.
// he wanted to be a warrior king
o = go to war with them = Henry lost the 725,000 gold from
the Treaty of Etaples.
o To keep himself safe admits the wars between Spain + France (defensive) = in
constant alliances.
After HRE + French peace treaty, the Year after the Treaty of Noyon (French
and Spain Treaty 1516) = Henry VIII dangerously isolated
= Treaty of London – English + French representivies agree on
‘Treaty of perpetual peace’ = expanded into including 20 countries.
They were now a united front against the threat of the Ottoman
Empire.
