Henry VII needed multiple ways to increase his control over the Tudor government. Remember to download if you wish to use it fully.

1. Henry VII - Government
Elliot Mackness
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2. Government Overview
Henry VII had to control his government, and
increase the stability of his administration through
these channels of governmental power – these
included; Central Government; Regional
Government, and Local Government. Henry VII
sought to increase his control in these fields, and
ensure the loyalty of the subjects that he placed
into these positions.

3. Central Government
Henry VII would need to increase his grasp on
power within his own central government, if he
wished to secure the survival of the Tudor dynasty.
During this era, a ‘kings council’ sat to advise the
king on what to do, this was a very large council,
however, Henry relied on a smaller committee from
within the council. Henry used this method, and set
up a series of new councils and courts from within
the kings council.

4. Central Government
The court of requests – the
general population could make
requests and suggestions.
The Court of general surveyors –
this court oversaw the surveying
of revenue from crownlands, and
those where the king was feudal
overlord.
The Council Learned – the most
notorious of the new courts, this
court oversaw criminal justice,
and saw the implementation of
bonds and recognisances, leading
to much hatred.

5. Regional Government
Henry VII would need to increase his grasp over the
outlying regions of the country, Henry did this in his
use of ‘regional councils’ – what we would know as
‘autonomous regions’.
Northern England – Henry had appointed the Duke of Northumberland as
head of the council in the north, but following his death in the Yorkshire
rising, Henry appointed the Earl of Surrey to act as his deputy in the north.
The council had administrative powers, and was able to enforce crown laws
quickly and efficiently – however, all members of the council were appointed
by Henry, not by Surrey – so he was able to increase their loyalty to the
crown.

6. Regional Government
Council of wales and the Marches – In Wales, the Marcher lords had gained
considerable wealth and influence in the Welsh region, if Henry was to
control this particularly unruly area, he would need to decrease the power
of the Marcher lords and bring the council under his control.
In 1493 Henry placed his son, Arthur (died in 1502) as nominal head of the
council; and with the death of many marcher lords, Henry was able to
increase his control in the region.

7. Regional Government
Ireland – Ireland posed a particular problem for Henry, direct English control
over Ireland was limited to an area called ‘the pale’ but passed this, the
crown had little control, it was the major Irish families that held sway here.
The Earl of Kildare was particularly problematic, as he consistently helped
rebels, like Perkin Warbeck. However, after Ponying's failure to bring Ulster
under greater control, Kildare was placed back as deputy for Ireland.

8. Local Government
Henry VII developed the Justices of the peace position, although this was not
a new concept (later becoming magistrates), Henry increased the power of
these unpaid officials massively. Their new set of roles included:
. Implementing Social and economic statutes
. Dispensing justice and trying criminal offences
. Upholding public order
. Acting in cases of non-capital offences without jury
. Arresting poachers
. Empowered to grant bail.
Although this sounds good, these officials were still dependent on other
officials bringing the criminals to them, so Henry was still dependent on
goodwill to ensure that justice was implemented.