Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 - 1 Changes in…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 - 1 Changes in governance at the centre: Government and administration, 1485–1603, including changes made to structure and function of the household, changes in the role of Secretary, establishing the post of lord lieutenant (key development: reform of the Privy Council 1540).
This topic covers Tudor central government and administration from 1485 to 1603.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This topic covers Tudor central government and administration from 1485 to 1603. It examines changes to the royal household, particularly its structure and function, such as the growth of the Privy Chamber and its political role. It also considers the evolving role of the Secretary, who became a key royal adviser and administrator. The establishment of lord lieutenants is studied as a means of extending royal control into the localities, especially for defence and taxation. The key development is the reform of the Privy Council in 1540, which streamlined its membership and functions, making it a more effective instrument of royal policy. These changes collectively strengthened central authority and improved coordination of governance.
What earns the marks
- Explains how the structure and function of the royal household changed, including the rise of the Privy Chamber and its separation from the wider household.
- Describes the changing role of the Secretary, from a minor official to a principal adviser and administrator, often with responsibility for intelligence and foreign correspondence.
- Explains the establishment of lord lieutenants as royal representatives in the counties, responsible for militia and local defence, and later for taxation and order.
- Analyses the reform of the Privy Council in 1540, which reduced its size, clarified its role, and made it a more professional and effective body for advising the monarch and implementing policy.
- Assesses the overall impact of these changes on the effectiveness of Tudor government and the balance of power between monarch, council and localities.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the Privy Council with the Privy Chamber.
Put it right: Define each clearly and distinguish their functions.
Assuming the role of Secretary remained static.
Put it right: Trace changes over time.
Overlooking the local impact of lord lieutenants.
Put it right: Explain their role in local administration and defence.
Exam tips
- Use specific examples, such as Thomas Cromwell or William Cecil, to illustrate the role of the Secretary.
- Link changes in governance to the broader theme of rebellion and disorder, showing how central control was maintained.
- Be precise about dates, especially 1540 for the Privy Council reform, and explain its significance.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 - 1 Changes in governance at the centre: Government and administration, 1485–1603, including changes made to structure and function of the household, changes in the role of Secretary, establishing the post of lord lieutenant (key development: reform of the Privy Council 1540). lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In which year was the Privy Council reformed?
Listen
This topic covers Tudor central government and administration from 1485 to 1603. It examines changes to the royal household, particularly its structure and function, such as the growth of the Privy Chamber and its political role. It also considers the evolving role of the Secretary, who became a key royal adviser and administrator. The establishment of lord lieutenants is studied as a means of extending royal control into the localities, especially for defence and taxation. The key development is the reform of the Privy Council in 1540, which streamlined its membership and functions, making it a more effective instrument of royal policy. These changes collectively strengthened central authority and improved coordination of governance. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how the structure and function of the royal household changed, including the rise of the Privy Chamber and its separation from the wider household. Describes the changing role of the Secretary, from a minor official to a principal adviser and administrator, often with responsibility for intelligence and foreign correspondence. Explains the establishment of lord lieutenants as royal representatives in the counties, responsible for militia and local defence, and later for taxation and order. Analyses the reform of the Privy Council in 1540, which reduced its size, clarified its role, and made it a more professional and effective body for advising the monarch and implementing policy. A common slip: Confusing the Privy Council with the Privy Chamber: the Council was a formal advisory body, while the Chamber was the monarch's private household. Instead, define each clearly and distinguish their functions. Exam tip: Use specific examples, such as Thomas Cromwell or William Cecil, to illustrate the role of the Secretary.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Start of the Tudor period of government and administration
- 2. End of the Tudor period of government and administration
- 3. Reform of the Privy Council
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Centralisation of power
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Evolution of royal administration
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Role of key ministers
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Local governance and royal control
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Centralisation of power
- Changes such as the reform of the Privy Council in 1540 collectively strengthened central authority and improved coordination of governance.
- Evolution of royal administration
- Changes to the structure and function of the royal household, including the growth of the Privy Chamber and its political role.
- Role of key ministers
- The Secretary evolved from a minor official to a principal adviser and administrator, often responsible for intelligence and foreign correspondence.
- Local governance and royal control
- Lord lieutenants were royal representatives in the counties, responsible for militia and local defence, and later for taxation and order.
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