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‘In the years 1515 to 1540, policy was decided by ministers rather than the monarch’.
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‘In the years 1515 to 1540, policy was decided by ministers rather than the monarch’.The decision of policies, from 1515 to 1540, could be attributed to a variety of factors, in
particular, the influence of Henry VIII’s ministers and the role the King. Henry’s ministers,
Wolsey and Cromwell, played significant roles in orchestrating policies aimed at securing
religion, economic and domestic policy in England. Wolsey’s implementation of policies, such as
the Treaty of London of 1518, were aimed at bolstering the position of England, introducing
financial reforms, and improving its position as a military power. Cromwell was crucial in policy
as he completely transformed the governance of England and Wales, catalysing the process of
the dissolution of the monasteries. It could be argued that the cumulative effect of these
ministers combined with the monarchical absolutism of Henry, instigated policy more effectively.
However, despite the intervention of his ministers, Henry remained solely in control of policy in
England, propounded by the belief that he was God’s representative, and it was his decision
that played the most significant component of policy, due to his authority as the monarch.
A.F. Pollard argues that Wolsey achieved ‘prime ministerial’ dominance over policy making. One
of Wolsey’s significant implementations was his tax reform which transformed the old system to
a flexible system based on the taxpayer’s income. In imposing this new subsidy, Wolsey gained
£200,000 in loans to help diminish inflation. Furthermore, Wolsey’s ‘Treaty of London’ in 1518,
is instrumental when viewing his role as a policy-deciding minister. This peaceful policy placed
European diplomacy at the centre, calling for all European powers to live in ‘universal peace’.
Wolsey introduced the ‘Field of Cloth of Gold’, improving relations between France and
England, improving England’s diplomatic relations. Also, Wolsey’s legal reforms demonstrated
that he was responsible for policy. His re-construction of the Court of Chancery, the Star
Chamber and Court of Requests reflected his own beliefs. Wolsey used his power in the Star
Chamber to reduce corruption and his establishment of policies can be supported by his act to
restrict the prices of grain and poultry in 1518. Furthermore, his investigation into the enclosure
of land in 1517 also reveals his direct influence on the decision of policies. This investigation
resulted in 260 court cases against the wealthy landowners, which led to Wolsey’s unpopularity.
It could be argued that from previously being a pauper himself, his policies were aimed at
improving the position of the poor. As a result, illustrating that Wolsey was responsible for
deciding policy and he was simply more than a ‘puppet’ being exploited.
However, a revisionist interpretation could argue that Wolsey followed the instructions of the
King, appeasing Henry’s militaristic desires. This can be seen through The Amicable Grant of
1525, which require Wolsey to raise money to fund England’s war against France. Instead of
introducing a new subsidy, Wolsey promoted Henry’s non-parliamentary tax, the ‘Amicable
Grant’. The response to this grant was negative and many revolted against the imposition of a
forced loan. For example, in Lavenham, 10,000 men participated in a huge revolt. Therefore,
Wolsey faced upheaval due to Henry’s decision to devise an expensive war and further his own
personal objectives. Wolsey was forced to take the blame for the crown’s financial
management, so it is evident that Henry VIII was responsible for the decision behind policies
and Wolsey served an administrative role. His position as the ‘alter rex’ also prevented his
individual decision of policies. Retrospectively, Wolsey’s fall from power in 1529 due to his
failure in ‘Great Matter’ elucidates his decisions as a minister lay at the hands of the monarch.
Thus, reinforcing that policy was personal and was always determined by monarchical authority.
Notably, Cromwell was essential in the formation of policies, helping to fortify the position of
England. Cromwell reduced the number of people in the Privy Chamber to 20, consisting of
trained lawyers and bureaucrats. Furthermore, Cromwell bolstered the financial system in
England during Henry VIII’s reign, creating The Court of Augmentations, The Court of General
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