Cromwell's Domestic Policies

Thomas Cromwell succeeded Wolsey as Henry VIII's chief minister from 1532-1540. As a skilled lawyer, Cromwell was instrumental in achieving the break with Rome and establishing royal supremacy through acts of Parliament.

Cromwell modernized government administration by creating specialized departments with defined procedures. For example, he established the Court of Augmentations to manage income from dissolved monasteries. He also reformed the Privy Council, reducing it to 20 members responsible for government business.

A key aspect of Cromwell's work was passing a series of parliamentary acts to establish Royal Supremacy:

• 1533 Act in Restraint of Appeals - Prevented Catherine from appealing to Rome • 1534 Act of Succession - Made Princess Mary illegitimate • 1534 Act of Supremacy - Removed papal authority in England • 1534 Treason Act - Made it treasonous to call Henry a heretic • 1536 Suppression Acts - Allowed confiscation of church lands

Definition: Royal Supremacy refers to the king's position as supreme head of the Church of England, replacing papal authority.

Quote: "Cromwell's policies revolutionised government as he achieved the royal supremacy through Acts of Parliament."

Wolsey's Domestic Policy

Cardinal Wolsey wielded immense power as Henry VIII's chief minister from 1514-1529. His domestic policies centered on two key areas: strengthening royal authority and raising finances for the crown.

To enhance royal authority, Wolsey expanded the use of prerogative courts like the Court of Chancery and Court of Star Chamber. These courts allowed the crown to uphold justice and hear cases outside the common law system. Wolsey also appointed local law officers and extended crown authority over regional councils.

For raising finances, Wolsey established a network of royal commissioners to assess wealth for taxation. He attempted to implement the Amicable Grant of 1525, though this proved highly unpopular. In 1526, Wolsey introduced the Eltham Ordinances to reduce royal expenditures.

Highlight: The Eltham Ordinances Wolsey introduced aimed to reform the Privy Chamber's finances and reduce its influence.

Vocabulary: Prerogative courts - Special courts operating under the authority of the monarch rather than common law.

Example: The Court of Star Chamber allowed Wolsey to hear cases of alleged misconduct and private lawsuits outside the regular court system.