Different historians’ views o

Different historians’ views on whether Henry VII was modern or medieval.

The statement that Henry Tudor created a ‘new monarchy’ is one that was even debated at the time. Throughout the years historians views have consistently contrasted and changed.

The actual ‘new monarchy’ theory is owed much to the historian J.R.Green and his reference to the events of 1471-1509 in his book “Short History of the English People” (published in 1876) as the emergence of a new monarchy. J.R. Green suggests this monarchy restored the power and authority to the crown after the events of the war of the roses. He also hinted at the start of tudor despotism an idea supported by several early 20th century historians. Albert Pollard was one of many historians to expand on J.R. Green’s theory and move the beginning of the new monarchy to 1485. This is hardly surprising as the date coincides with the beginning of a new dynasty that lasted well over a century and is considered a period of great

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Grant also felt that Henry’s personal control over government that made his reign unique rather than the changes of any government methods:

“However, the level and extent of Henry’s personal control was much greater than that of any of his predecessors; indeed in this respect he is perhaps unique… both through fortunate circumstances and royal policy – Henry came closer to solving the problems of governing England than any of his predecessors had done.

“His (Henry’s) was not an original mind; he was no great innovator. This factor was not always recognised. In fact Elton believed the whole idea of a new monarchy unhelpful and that it “only confuses and ought to be abolished”. He was rather a highly skiful builder on existing foundations… He could bring an essentially medieval spirit and practice of government to its highest point of effectiveness without in any important way changing its character.

In the last 50 years the concept of Henry VII creating the new monarchy is greatly opposed. Early 20th century historians historians look highly on the Tudor government as it was seen as creating the basis of the modern nation state. More recent historians are content to discard Henry VII as an innovator and argue as to whether or not Henry VII was simply carrying on the work of his Yorkist predecessors. ”

Geoffrey Elton preferred to shift the development of the new monarchy to the 1530’s and the reforming of Henry VIII’s minister Thomas Cromwell.

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