‘Contrary to the liberties of this city’: Henry VII, English towns and the economics of law and order*

Abstract

One major consideration for the stability of Henry VII's reign involved relations with the cities and towns. Realizing it was untenable to control local elites fully from the centre, the first Tudor pursued a policy of financial and judicial constraints based in part on bonds to bring municipalities into the fold of royal rule.This was accomplished through financial obligations in return for city liberties, and the constant vigilance by royal councillors to ferret out forfeitures from those who broke the law. Such activity was especially true for London, where close scrutiny by royal councillors and their minions may have brought about a potential confrontation between City leaders and the crown. At Henry's death, English towns had been drawn closer to a developing 'national' government and law.

Review of periodical literature published in 2012

“…Bothwell looks at the changing relations between the town of Leicester and its Lancastrian lords during the fourteenth century, and how certain urban building projects were mutually beneficial. Horowitz examines how Henry VII used financial bonds and the vigilance of conciliar tribunals to ensure loyalty from England's towns. They were still allowed a significant degree of autonomy, but civic elites were left in no doubt as to whom they owed their liberties and who held ultimate jurisdiction.…”

“…Henry's councillors and clerks would try to ferret out any infraction of the rules to ensure that a heavy fine would be paid. Horowitz considers how local elites were controlled by the use of financial obligations such as bonds. In return, municipalities were granted various liberties.…”

“…In return, municipalities were granted various liberties. Horowitz notes that rules of arbitration were a more cost‐effective method of resolving disputes than common law proceedings. Healey's article is about the English commons between 1550 and 1650.…”