England, 1485–1603 – Henry VIII, 1509–1547: Government: Crown and…

The idea

Henry VIII’s government evolved significantly, driven by his ministers and the quest for an annulment. Initially, Thomas Wolsey dominated domestic policies, centralising justice through the Star Chamber and managing finances via the Tudor subsidy. Following Wolsey’s fall, Thomas Cromwell revolutionised government by elevating the role of Parliament. The Crown and Parliament worked collaboratively to pass the Reformation Parliament statutes, culminating in the 1534 Act of Supremacy. This established the Royal Supremacy, making Henry the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This shift transformed Parliament from a sporadic tax-granting body into a vital legislative partner, fundamentally altering the constitutional balance and enabling sweeping domestic reforms like the dissolution of the monasteries.

What earns the marks

• Analyse the role of chief ministers, contrasting Wolsey's use of the Star Chamber with Cromwell's reliance on statute law.
• Evaluate the changing relationship between the Crown and Parliament, noting Parliament's enhanced legislative authority during the 1530s.
• Explain the domestic policies implemented by Wolsey, such as the Amicable Grant and the Eltham Ordinances.
• Assess the legislative process and impact of the establishment of the Royal Supremacy, including the Act in Restraint of Appeals and the Act of Supremacy.
• Examine the administrative revolution thesis regarding Cromwell's creation of specialised bureaucratic courts like the Court of Augmentations.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming Parliament had the power to dictate policy to Henry VIII.

  Put it right: Clarify that Parliament was a tool used by the Crown to give legal force to the Royal Supremacy, not an independent policy-maker.

• Treating Wolsey and Cromwell's governing styles as identical.

  Put it right: Distinguish between Wolsey's reliance on the royal prerogative and conciliar courts, and Cromwell's use of parliamentary statute.

• Stating the Royal Supremacy immediately changed Protestant doctrine.

  Put it right: Emphasise that the Royal Supremacy was initially a political and jurisdictional break from Rome, while Henry maintained largely Catholic doctrine.

Exam tips

• Use the concept of 'King-in-Parliament' to explain how the Crown's authority was magnified when acting in conjunction with Parliament.
• When discussing domestic policies, explicitly link Wolsey's financial measures, like the Tudor subsidy, to Henry's foreign policy demands.
• Deploy specific legislation, such as the 1533 Act in Restraint of Appeals, to demonstrate exactly how the Royal Supremacy was legally constructed.