Role of Nobility

History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 3.1.2

Role of the Nobility in Maintaining Royal Control

The nobility had the potential to help secure royal authority. However, they also posed a threat to monarchical control.

Henry VII wanted to strengthen cultural ties across England.
But this was met with resistance because there were still strong regional identities.
E.g. Cornwall, Yorkshire, Wales, Ireland and Calais all had distinct cultures.
Monarchs recognised that they needed to have the cooperation of local noblemen (who could be more popular than him), and therefore have different government in different regions.
If the nobility were on side, they could be a great asset for a ruler. If they were against the Crown, they could be a big threat.

The nobility was very powerful and Henry VII was careful to limit their power.
He did this through limiting land, stopping retainers (which noblemen used to gain bribes), giving bonds and recognisances to guarantee good behaviour.
As well as this, Henry VII did not offer patronage to many noblemen. For example, he made only three earls.