Patronage
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 4.3.3
The Significance of Royal and Noble Patronage
Patronage was central to gaining power and influence in the Tudor period.
Patronage
- Patronage is the act of a ‘patron’ (whether it be a monarch or nobleman) bestowing support, encouragement or aid to an individual or group.
Political patronage
- Starkey (1987): From 1500, the Court was the heart of political power in England.
- Starkey: Access to the monarch was fundamental to gaining political power. In doing so, the Crown could bestow patronage.
Patronage under Henry VII
- Henry VII felt threatened by the power of the nobility. Henry VII used patronage to constrain the nobility
- E.g. he only made three earls during his reign.
Patronage under Elizabeth I
- As Elizabeth I's privy chamber was mostly female, it was more difficult to access her.
- Historians have argued that this meant it was more important to gain the Queen's attention at court.
- Often, courtiers would perform poetry, music or give the Queen portraits or miniatures.
- They hoped this would gain her favour and that she would give them patronage.
Cultural patronage
- The Crown and the nobility were often patrons of artists, musicians and poets.
- The system of patronage was central to enabling cultural development in England.
- E.g. Elizabeth I’s patronage of artists was minimal and historians have argued that English portraiture was sub-par compared to other countries in Europe.
Test yourself on Patronage
Which monarch felt threatened by the nobility and used patronage to constrain them?
Was Elizabeth a keen patron of artists?