How Far Did Cromwell Succeed in Enhancing Royal Power by 1539?

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How far did Cromwell succeed in enhancing Royal Power by 1539? (30marks) Thomas Cromwell started from quite humble origins, and managed to work his way into some of the most prestigious positions in England at that time. Cromwell stayed with Cardinal Wolsey when he fell from power, which proved his loyalty, which impressed Henry VIII. As well as his position in Parliament where he tried to reduce the power and influence of the church. It is now widely accepted that if his plans to enhance royal power and revolutionise the government were not far-sighted, his political and administrative skills were essential to their success. However it can be argued that Cromwell’s plans in fact did not succeed in the way he wished. Cromwell set up a bureaucratic system of administration based on the ‘privy’ council. This was a body of advisors that were appointed by the King. If it was possible to choose these council members it would put the King in a very high position of power, backed by a large amount of support. It can be argued that the Privy Council was part of Cromwell’s plan to modernise the state. Government changed from ‘medieval’ to ‘modern’ when Cromwell was around. This created a more personal monarchy which also increased its power. Suggesting, that Cromwell did succeed in enhancing royal power. To manage the new revenues generated through the break with Rome, Cromwell created new financial institutions alongside the Privy Chamber. These were: the court of augmentations; court of first fruits and tenths; court of wards and liveries; court of general surveyors. Because of these new courts it was necessary for specialists to manage them. They needed professional administrators to carry out proper auditing. This in turn reformed the King’s advisors, because there was no longer a need for as many nobles and clergymen, to make way for the specialists. This reform
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