‘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.