Henry VIII's Consolidation of Power

Henry VIII's Character and Aims

When Henry VIII took the throne his aims were simple: to build on Henry VII’s firm foundations, while distancing himself from his father’s unpopularity; pursue glory through war; and secure the succession.

Henry VIII: a Renaissance Prince?

Henry VIII was considered very handsome, and was vain. He was also egotistical and self-righteous.
Henry VIII styled himself as a fecund (fertile) prince who could secure the Tudor dynasty.
Henry VIII also loved hunting, music, poetry, sport and court entertainments.

Henry VIII: a bloated tyrant?

Henry VIII's behaviour changed during his reign.
There is debate over whether there was a specific accident which triggered Henry VIII's change or whether he had always displayed traits of cruelty and instability.
Treason laws became much harsher during the 1530s as Henry VIII feared people would not accept his marriage to Anne Boleyn.

Consistent aims

Henry's aims throughout his reign included:
- Maintaining England’s security and stability.
- The pursuit of glory and war against France. (He wanted to copy Henry V and his success at Agincourt in 1415).
- To establish England’s status as an important European power.
- To preserve the Tudor dynasty, especially the succession.

Early aims

Initially, Henry VIII's aims were to legitimate his authority.
He wanted to establish himself as king of England.
He wanted to distance himself from his father's unpopular policies.

Later aims

By the end of the 1520s, Henry VIII’s aims included divorce from Catherine of Aragon and marriage to Anne Boleyn.
This led to Henry VIII focusing on becoming rex imperator (an imperial king).
By the 1530s, Henry VIII aimed to rid England of papal authority.
- He could divorce, re-marry and become rex imperator.

Addressing Henry VII's Legacy

Henry VIII was keen to distance himself from his father's legacy. Unlike his father, Henry VIII was far more certain in his right to be King and believed it was his destiny.

Henry VII's legacy

There was around £300,000 in the royal coffers in 1509.
At first, the Royal Council was full of Henry VII’s loyal servants. Among those were:
- Archbishop of Canterbury Warham (also Lord Chancellor).
- Sir Thomas Lovell as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
- Bishop Fox, the Lord Privy Seal.
Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon, who had not been allowed to leave England, securing the marriage alliance with Spain.

Changes from Henry VII's rule

As soon as Henry VIII became king, he attacked his father's advisors and institutions.
- For example, he arrested Empson and Dudley (Henry VII's financial enforcers) and shut down the Council Learned in Law.

1Consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty 1485-1547

1.1Henry VII 1485-1509

1.1.1Henry VII's Consolidation of Power

1.1.2Henry VII & Succession

1.1.3Henry VII's Councils & Parliament

1.1.4End of Topic Test - Henry VII Part 1

1.1.5Henry VII & Justice, Finance & Policies

1.1.6Henry VII's Relationship with Foreign Powers

1.1.7Henry VII & Society

1.1.8End of Topic Test - Henry VII Part 2

1.1.9Henry VII & Regional Issues

1.1.10Henry VII & Economic Development

1.1.11Henry VII & Cultural Development

1.1.12End of Topic Test - Henry VII Part 3

1.2Henry VIII 1509-1547

1.2.1Henry VIII's Consolidation of Power

1.2.2Henry VIII & His Government

1.2.3Henry VIII & His Government 2

1.2.4End of Topic Test - Henry VIII Part 1

1.2.5Henry VIII & Succession

1.2.6Henry VIII's Relationship with Foreign Powers

1.2.7Henry VIII & Society

1.2.8End of Topic Test -Henry VIII Part 2

1.2.9Henry VIII & Society 2

1.2.10Henry VIII & Economic Development

1.2.11Henry VIII & Religion

1.2.12End of Topic Test - Henry VIII Part 3

2England: Turmoil & Triumph 1547-1603

2.1Instability & Consolidation 1547-1563

2.1.1Edward VI, Somerset & Northumberland

2.1.2Edward VI & Authority

2.1.3Edward VI & Relations with Foreign Powers

2.1.4End of Topic Test - Edward VI Part 1

2.1.5Edward VI & Rebellions

2.1.6Social Impact of Religious & Economic Changes

2.1.7Edward VI & Cultural Developments

2.1.8End of Topic Test - Edward VI Part 2

2.1.9Mary I & Her Rule

2.1.10Mary I & Relations with Foreign Powers

2.1.11The Social Impact of Religious & Economic Change

2.1.12End of Topic Test - Mary Part 1

2.1.13Elizabeth I & Her Rule

2.1.14Elizabeth I & Relations With Foreign Powers

2.1.15Impact of Economic, Social & Religious Change

2.1.16End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 1

2.2The Triumph of Elizabeth 1563-1603

2.2.1Elizabeth I & Court

2.2.2Elizabeth & Government

2.2.3Elizabeth I & Succession

2.2.4End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 2

2.2.5Mary Queen of Scots

2.2.6Relations with Spain

2.2.7End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 3

2.2.8Elizabeth I & Society

2.2.9Elizabeth I & Rebellion

2.2.10Elizabeth & Economic Development

2.2.11End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 4

2.2.12Elizabeth I & Religious Developments

2.2.13The English Renaissance

2.2.14Elizabeth's Last Years

2.2.15End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 5

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