Andrew Mitchell

Assess the significance of the Role of Individuals in bringing about changes to the power of the monarchy, 1485-1588 Monarchy described by D.Starkey is an institution built of memory and inherited traditions, of heirlooms, historic buildings, and old age rituals1. Arguing it is also about ideas, each individual, though with different ideologies, faced the same problems with the nobility and Church needing to be controlled. The War of the Roses was a bloodthirsty battle that limited outright power to any individual. The legacy that grew from it helped Tudor individuals assert their power, and eventually resulted in them outliving their usefulness. The question remains of how significantly these individuals changed monarchical power between 1485 and 1588. Monarchy is only powerful when controlled by powerful individuals. They are the key to bringing real change to the institutional system. Henry VII is seen as the creator of a century of Tudor reign, modernising the system using, in the words of T.A Morris established methods in a distinctive and intensive way2 producing new political and financial institutions. Henry VIIIs minister Thomas Cromwell made key reforms, enabling modern reorganization of government structures and the Privy Council. Both monarchs believed in having a correct structure to assert power throughout; government should liaise with the King. The continued weakening of the nobility undertaken by both Henrys ensured there was little threat, with Cromwell promoting the gentry class at the expense of the nobility. Arguably, Cardinal Wolsey had made it possible at the peace of the following year, to place his country on a level with France and Spain and the Empire3. Pollards view suggests he is exaggerating the power of England when the nation was not at that height, this doesnt increase monarchal

1 2 3

Starkey, David; Monarchy Morris, T.A; Tudor Government A.F.Pollard; Henry VIII, p.61

Andrew Mitchell power. Arguably then, Henry giving power to Wolsey/Cromwell reduced his own in the long term, proving an important role for the individual. Loach suggests Somerset, was 'more interested in his military campaigns in Scotland thanin social policies meant to alleviate the lot of the poor4. Its clear Somerset looked towards national sovereignty to promote monarchical power; it was essential in the Tudor revolution. However, arguably his social policies continued to develop the Privy Council and he used proclamations to continue weakening any rivals. Nonetheless, Loach hints at the reason for Edwards displeasure. Somersets near-autocratic rule by use of proclamations reduced the power of monarchy, clearly proving that, in this case, the individual was very important. Edwards other Minister on the other hand Northumberland, is argued by H.Hoak as a remarkably able governor5, as he was able to hold Edwards minority government together. Loades agrees with Hoak arguing the nation survive[d] a period of acute financial and social stress which could have inflicted much greater danger than it did6. Therefore Northumberland increased monarchal power through re-structuring government issues, the individual is once again significant. William Cecil, incredibly influential during Elizabeths reign, was a relative success because he did exactly what he was told effectively acting as Elizabeths Assistant. Able to control political factions, protecting the queen and system, Cecil increased the perceived power of monarchy through effective propaganda ensuring acceptance of policy by the public. He took away any threat from Mary, Queen of Scots through dispatching her death warrant, yet arguably he challenged her power being so close to her and perhaps the nobility disliked him for having lessor roots, in the end, Elizabeth was simply weakening the nobility further by giving more power to the gentry. Each individual had their own ideas, with many going further than or failing to deliver the demands of the monarch, proving the importance of the individual.

4 5 6

Loach, J; A Mid Tudor Crisis? D.Hoak, Rehabilitating the Duke of Northumberland- Politics and Political control 1549-53 J.Loach, A Mid Tudor Crisis?

Andrew Mitchell As the result of individuals ideologies, religion underwent change, yet this was a dangerous subject; the wrong ideas could cause undesirable revolts. Often forgotten, Henry VII had an important impact in establishing Praemunire; he enabled the prohibition of the exercise of papal authority on points prejudicial to the rights and interests of the king7. The church didnt have a separate legal system over state, so Henry knew that by attacking church matters, he would increase influence and power. D.Rogerson argues that for Henry it must have felt like a thorn in his side, especially when his position was so tenuous8. I believe this as truthful; there was a smooth relationship between himself and the pope meaning that with religion he wasnt at risk. Arguably, Henrys jurisdiction over church matters was the forerunner to his sons. By becoming head of the Church of England, Henry VIII undoubtedly increased monarchical power and without the dislike for papal jurisdiction from his father, Henrys religious policy couldve been very different. By becoming Supreme Head of the Church, he was able to decrease Church power through the Dissolution of the monasteries and sell church land to support the economy, leading to a more powerful monarchy that could now dictate religion to the masses. Edward began his reign with the same ideological impacts on Religion, continuing Henrys policy. D Loades argues it was not a natural growth, it was highly artificial and imposed by authority9 with it gained by the gradual winning over of the inert mass of men to spiritual acceptance by the very gradual10. These explain the lack of opposition to the policy; they were easy to win over. Yet on the other hand I would argue that this authority was imposed by Somerset, not Edward. He was the one who persuaded Parliament to break the defenses of traditional religion; it was down to the individual, who had a clear impact on the increase of power. Cranmer and Edward together created the First Book of Common Prayer, which Edward took credit for, proving the kings power and further increasing that of the monarchy. However, Edward was still a child,
7 8

Guy, John; Tudor England Rogerson, David; The Early Tudors, England 1485-1588 9 Loades, D; The Mid-Tudor Crisis, 1545-1562, 1992, p.178 10 W.K. Jordan, Edward VI: The Threshold of Power the Dominance of the Duke of Northumberland, 1970, p.241

Andrew Mitchell and although taking credit for the actions, the influence of an individual-Thomas Cranmer- that affected the power of Religion. This was turned around again by Mary in 1554 when she returned England to Catholicism. She ordered all her subjects [to] follow suit11, possibly increasing power as she had the final say. Yet she was no longer head of the church and a significant amount of power was returned to the pope. Conversely, the outward conformity of Elizabeths subjects allowed her to increase power by establishing the Anglican Church, easing pressures and almost finding the balance between the two faiths. To conclude, this balance was the most unstable part of the dynasty, gradually being changed from when it was established by Henry VII. Finance was important for Henry VII. Knowing the land was key, the Act of Resumption in 1486 enabled this crown land which had been lost to be recovered, along with changes to the ways land was managed, maximizing revenue. Exploiting his position, he commissioned many palaces to strengthen his image. R.L.Storey confirms this, arguing the revenue of the crown had been greatly augmented, enabling the king to maintain his estate with splendor and free his government of the crippling dangers of poverty12. He continued the weakening of nobility, making them repay debts. Yet Elton counter-argues Storeys point; it may be doubted whether it really merits all the admiration which it has excited. After all, it took only two years of by no means extravagant war in the next reign to wipe it out13. Henry VIIIs total per annum was merely 113,000 compared to the Holy Roman Emperors 1,100,000, proving why finance was so important; England needed to make an impact. To improve, he increased the power of the monarchy only slightly by bringing it more into line with European standards. As Elton suggests, Henry spent his fathers money on foreign wars relatively quickly. Arguably the role of individual is key here, but despite the Dissolution of the monasteries allowing income to be higher than ever for the crown lands, we can argue that Henry diminished some power from the monarchy in relation to where it stood in the world, behind that of France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire.
11 12 13

Marys Proclamation on Religion; 16th August 1553 Storey, R.R; The Reign of Henry VII, 1968, p.115 Elton, G.R; England Under the Tudors, 2nd Edition, 1974, p.54

Andrew Mitchell

Edwards reign was a mix of success and failure in terms of power with finance. Being young, Lord Somerset and later the Duke of Northumberland acted as Lord Protectors controlling policy. Continuing the trends set by Henry VIII, large sums of money were spent by Somerset on the continuing battles with France, especially with that of Scotland. He believed in national pride and respect for the monarchy itself, so arguably Somerset increased power by justifying a sense of national pride amongst the people. Spending 580,393 on the Scottish war, debasement of the coinage was needed and what didnt help were increasing population figures, made worse by increasing inflation. Northumberland however, found a solution to the mess Somerset had left the economy in, appearing to have been one of the most remarkably able governors of any European state during the sixteenth century14. I believe Hoaks argument to be correct as the Dukes main target was to stabilize the economy. Debasement was ended, he introduced a huge reduction in expenditure, and the selling of Crown Land enabled debts to decrease from 300,000 in 1550 to 180,000 in 1553. Arguably though, despite great financial success, he decreased the long-term power of the monarchy by reducing expenditure, leading to the Governments financial position being compromised. In conclusion, the role of individuals is important because of different ideologies, money was a powerful object, and the changes made throughout not only increased the power of monarchy, but also weakened that of the nobility. Religious and policy changes were dangerous as they could lead to rebellion. The 1539 Pilgrimage of Grace left many discontented with not only Henry, but his ministers too. Elton argued it represented the effort of a defeated court faction to create a power base in the country for the purpose of achieving a political victory at court15. However, he looks only at evidence from lords Darcy and Hussey, yet does not justify the key roles that the lower orders played. Arguably there was a decrease in power here because the people were making demands against their supreme leader, yet Henry fought back. It proved that the people could rise up; yet also proved the continuity of
14 15

Hoak, D; Rehabilitating the Duke of Northumberland: Politics and Political Control, 1549-53 Elton, G.R; Politics and the Pilgrimage of Grace

Andrew Mitchell Henrys backlashes on the nobility. Henry VII established these weakenings, his son wanted to go further and although parties of nobles and commoners were involved, Henrys position was to be cemented in place, thereby increasing the power of the monarchy through suppression of the nobility. Similarly the 1569 Northern Rebellion during Elizabeths reign, consisted of resentment for politics and succession. Lasting just over a month, it fell apart after Cecil ordered 10,000 men to meet the rebel army, who panicked, escaping to the Scottish border. As Elizabeth relied on Cecil for protection, he used this power, deteringh political enemies who led the uprising, increasing the power of the monarchy further. The Lady Jane Grey Crisis and Wyatt Rebellion are key events revolving around the dislike for possible successors. Throughout both, the opposing forces acted in the nations interests, with Northumberland trying to prevent a return to Catholicism and Mary. The Wyatt rebellion was against Marys links with the Spanish and was by far the closest monarchy had come to being overthrown in history. Fewer than 100 executions took place and most were pardoned.16 Turveys point demonstrates that Mary had a fear, and although this would have decreased power, arguably her reaction was King like, proving the weaknesses of the nobility that both Henrys built on, promoting the gentry instead of them. We mustnt forget that the nobility finalised parliament policies, so they needed to be relied on. It wasnt the role of individual, but circumstance leading to the failure of Northumberland in the Lady Jane Grey Crisis. He made too many mistakes, failing to arrest Mary and underestimating support for her. Though its clear that the weakening of nobility in the earlier reigns ensured that later monarchs didnt necessarily increase power themselves, itd already been done for them. To conclude, the power of the Tudors could have been very different if it had not been individuals roles. They followed traditional roles, most notably by repressing the nobility, but just enough to weaken them. Each individual had their own ideology proving the significant ups and downs in changes to power throughout the century and
16

Turvey, Roger; Change and Protest 1536-88: Mid-Tudor Crises?

Andrew Mitchell for this reason the monarchy was at its strongest when key individuals were in positions of power, but in the end even they sometimes outlived their usefulness for the powerful monarchs they worked for.

Sources

Issue

Comments

Teachers Comments

Initial

Monarchy David Starkey (Overview of Dynasty)

Overview

Tudor Government T.A Morris

Henry VII

The Reign of Henry VII, 1968 R.L Storey Tudor England John Guy

The Early Tudors, England 14851588 David Rogerson

Works itself through each reign, following topics of course closely. Good to understand the dynasty. Creates understanding of Henrys plans and his setting up of government. Confirming and backs up knowledge of successful financial ventures. Raises argument that Henry began the papal revolution instead of his son. Raises argument of Henry being possibly being paranoid over rivals.

Andrew Mitchell (Overview of Dynasty) Elizabeth/Cecil Easy to understand read on religion and finance with relevant source material. Raises argument that Henry decreased power by giving it to ministers. Argues that Henry VIIs finance was not that good, as henry VIII spent it all quickly. Explanation for the pilgrimage of death, not too reliable however, does not look at all evidence. Explains one side of Somerset, along with other interpretations, useful for understanding him. Argues the huge role the individual played in the religious change. Key to coming to a solid conclusion. 8

Henry VIII A.F Pollard

Henry VIII and Wolsey/Cromwell

England Under the Tudors G.R Elton

Politics and the pilgrimage of Grace G.R Elton

A Mid Tudor Crisis J. Loach (Overview of Dynasty)

Edward/Somerset/ Northumberland

The Mid Tudor Crisis David Loades

Andrew Mitchell Rehabilitating the Duke of Northumberlan d Interpretations of Northumberlan d that give a clean character, and back up evidence. Good overview of Edwards reign, interesting insights into religion in particular. Primary source, from her words backs up what her ideology was. Good overview of rebellion during Marys reign, insights into leniency of her at this stage. Overall this book runs through each section of the course with relevant sources in good detail. Good overview of The Lady Jane grey crisis backed up by relevant source material.

Edward VI: The Threshold of Power W.K Jordan

Proclamation on Religion

Mary

Change and Protest 153688: Mid-Tudor Crises? Roger Turvey (Overview of Dynasty)

Elizabeth/Cecil

Andrew Mitchell

Bibliography Primary 1. Marys proclamation on Religion, 16th August 1553 Secondary 1. Elton, G.R, England under the Tudors, 2nd Edition 2. Elton, G.R, Politics and the Pilgrimage of Grace 3. Guy, John Tudor England 4. Hoak, D Rehabilitating the Duke of Northumberland- Politics and Political control 1549-53 5. Jordan, W.K, Edward VI: The Threshold of Power- the Dominance of the Duke of Northumberland Starkey, David Monarchy 6. Loach, Jennifer A Mid-Tudor Crisis? 7. Loades, David, The Mid-Tudor Crisis, 1542-1562 8. Morris, T.A, Tudor Government 9. Pollard, A.F, Henry VIII 10. Rogerson, David & Ellsmore, Samantha, The Early Tudors, England1485-1558 11. Storey, R.R, The Reign of Henry VII 12. Turvey, Roger & Heard, Nigel, Change and Protest 1536-88: Mid Tudor Crisis?

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