The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part C.: From Henry VII. to Mary — David Hume — John Shaqi
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part C.: From Henry VII. to Mary
David Hume · en
Henry soon after summoned a parliament, together with a convocation; and
found neither of them in a disposition to complain of the infringement
of their privileges. It was only doubted how far they would carry their
liberality to the king. Wolsey, who had undertaken the management of the
affair, began with the convocation, in hopes that their example would
influence the parliament to grant a large supply. He demanded a moiety
of the ecclesiastical revenues to be levied in five years, or two
shillings in the pound during that time; and though he met with
opposition, he reprimanded the refractory members in such severe terms,
that his request was at last complied with. The cardinal afterwards,
attended by several of the nobility and prelates, came to the house of
commons; and in a long and elaborate speech laid before them the public
necessities, the danger of an invasion from Scotland, the affronts
received from France, the league in which the king was engaged with the
pope and the emperor; and he demanded a grant of eight hundred thousand
pounds, divided into four yearly payments; a sum computed, from the late
survey or valuation, to be equal to four shillings in the pound of one
year’s revenue, or one shilling in the pound yearly, according to the
division proposed.[*] So large a grant was unusual from the commons;
and though the cardinal’s demand was seconded by Sir Thomas More the
speaker, and several other members attached to the court, the house
could not be prevailed with to comply.[**]
* This survey or valuation is liable to much suspicion, as
fixing the rents a great deal too high; unless the sum
comprehend the revenues of all kinds, industry as well as
land and money.
** Herbert. Stowe, p. 518. Parl. Hist. Strype, vol. i. p.
49, 59.
[Illustration: 1-371-more.jpg SIR THOMAS MORE]