16 Questions
What was the social structure of Henry's England?
Rural with a few large towns, divided into different ranks, united by Roman Catholicism.
What was Henry VIII's role in the government when he first became king?
He left the day-to-day running of the government to trusted ministers in the Royal Council.
What was Henry VIII's personality like in his younger years?
Energetic, outgoing, athletic, and strong.
Why was Henry VIII angry with his father, Henry VII?
Because he was not allowed to participate in jousting, which he loved.
What was the reaction of the English people when Henry VIII became king?
They were enthusiastic for change.
What was one of Henry VIII's first actions as king?
Arresting the two ministers associated with his father's hated financial policies.
Why did Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon require special permission?
Because she was previously married to his brother, Arthur.
What was the significance of Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon?
It strengthened an important alliance with Spain.
What was the primary role of the Royal Household in Henry VIII's government?
The Royal Household provided the king with food, clothing, and spiritual guidance, and also played an important role in government, with the king holding audience, meeting advisers, and making important decisions within its rooms.
Who comprised the Privy Chamber and what were their responsibilities?
The Privy Chamber comprised a small group of the king's closest noble friends, who looked after his personal needs and provided entertainment, and also informally influenced the king on matters of policy.
What was the main task of Parliament in Henry VIII's government?
The main task of Parliament was to pass laws requested by the king and to raise taxes.
What was the role of the Justices of the Peace in Henry VIII's government?
The Justices of the Peace were large landowners who kept law and order in their local areas.
Who did Henry VIII rely on for advice and guidance?
Henry VIII relied on the Royal Council and the Privy Chamber for advice and guidance.
What was unique about Henry VIII's style of government?
Henry VIII created his own personal style of government, where he did not like paperwork or administration and relied on others for advice and guidance.
What was the purpose of the Royal Council in Henry VIII's government?
The Royal Council provided guidance in policy and handled routine matters of state.
What was the role of the Court in Henry VIII's government?
The Court was a body of the monarch's key servants, advisers, and friends, mainly from the nobility, who lived in or near the palace, entertained the king and his visiting guests, and allowed the king to display his wealth and power.
Study Notes
Henry VIII's England
- England in Henry VIII's time was mainly rural with a few large towns, divided into different social ranks but united by Roman Catholicism.
Henry VIII's Early Life
- Henry VIII was born as the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.
- He spent his early childhood in Eltham Palace outside London, being energetic and outgoing.
- Henry's life changed dramatically after his elder brother Arthur's death in 1502, making him the heir to the throne at the age of 10.
- He was not allowed to participate in governing the kingdom despite being intelligent, and was also banned from the sport of jousting due to the risk.
Accession to the Throne
- Henry VIII took the throne in 1509, becoming king without training in ruling a country.
- He arrested two ministers associated with his father's financial policies, distancing himself from his father.
Marriage to Catherine of Aragon
- Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon in 1509, strengthening an alliance with Spain.
- The marriage required special permission from the Pope, as Catherine was previously married to Arthur, Henry's elder brother.
Henry VIII's Government
- The King made all important decisions on foreign and domestic policy, including when to go to war and when to call parliament.
- The Royal Household provided food, clothing, and spiritual guidance, and played a role in government.
- The Privy Chamber had domestic and political responsibilities, with its members providing informal influence on the king's policies.
- The Royal Council provided guidance in policy and handled routine matters of state.
- The Court displayed the king's wealth and power, and attendance required the king's permission.
- Parliament passed laws and raised taxes, composed of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
- Justices of the Peace kept law and order in their local areas.
Learn about Henry VIII's reign, the social hierarchy of England during his rule, and his role in the government.
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