Measures to secure his throne

How did the King build control over England?

Regional Government

The king had a stronger hold over areas in the south and east of England than in the north. The king's varying degree of popularity was the basis of the need to establish control over potentially troublesome parts of the kingdom. Henry VII needed the cooperation of local noblemen thus he allowed different systems of government for different regions. For example, Wales was controlled by the Council of Wales.

At a local level, he relied on the Justices of the Peace (JPs) to maintain law and order in the countryside.

(Power granted to JPs by parliament)

• Assess for tax
• Regulate alehouses
• Investigate complaints against local officials and nobles
• Maintain law and order in their local areas

How did Parliament aid Henry VII in demonstrating his power?

1. Parliament helped Henry VII consolidate control after Bosworth through the Acts of Attainder.
2. Parliament granted Henry VII customs duty for life.
3. Through the 1486 Act of Resumption, all the lands granted away since 1455 were returned to the Crown.