Henry VII's Use of Parliament and Local Government
Henry VII strategically limited the use of Parliament while expanding the powers of local officials to maintain control over his kingdom. This approach allowed him to centralize authority and enforce his rule efficiently.
Parliament Under Henry VII
Henry VII called Parliament only seven times during his 24-year reign, demonstrating his preference for ruling without frequent parliamentary oversight. When he did convene Parliament, it was often for specific purposes:
- Granting subsidies for wars with France (1489 and 1491) and Scotland (1497)
- Passing acts of attainder against political opponents
- Enacting laws related to Justices of the Peace
Highlight: The longest Parliament during Henry VII's reign was the first one (1485-1486), lasting only three months.
Expansion of Justices of the Peace
Henry VII significantly increased the powers and responsibilities of Justices of the Peace (JPs) as a means of extending royal authority at the local level:
- 1487: JPs were allowed to grant bail
- 1489: A law was passed allowing complaints against JPs
- 1495: JPs could replace jury members and act in non-capital cases without a jury
- 1506: Henry issued a manual for JPs
Vocabulary: Justices of the Peace were local officials appointed by the crown to maintain law and order in their respective areas.
Henry VII personally appointed JPs and did not reappoint those he found unsatisfactory. He increased their status and workload while not providing additional pay, effectively expanding royal control at minimal cost.
Highlight: Henry VII's government relied heavily on JPs as a link between the central administration and local governance.
Regional Governance
Henry VII established regional councils to govern specific areas of his realm:
- Wales: Divided into north and south, governed by William ap Gruffudd and Rhys ap Thomas respectively
- The North: Governed by the Earl of Surrey
- Ireland: Sir Edward Poynings sent as Lord Deputy in 1494
These regional councils allowed Henry to maintain control over distant parts of his kingdom and respond to local challenges more effectively.
