Local Change and Community Control in England, 1465-1500

Abstract

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry VII's accession to power, our attention turns naturally to the major political events of the later fifteenth century. A topic such as The Foundation of the Tudor Dynasty encourages discussion of the protagonists in the drama and of the institutions through which they implemented their authority. Yet one may also think of a foundation as the barely visible underpinning upon which a more conspicuous edifice is built. It is in this sense that I shall approach the theme.1 Organization at the local level provided the substructure upon which the Tudors constructed their rule. Examination of local communities indicates that the later fifteenth century was a period of change at the bottom as well as the top of society. Developments in the economy, demographic patterns, religion, and education modified traditional practices in many regions of the country. Within the affected areas, the dominant men of villages, towns, and parishes faced difficult problems concerning relief of the poor and maintenance of order. Local leaders responded vigorously but not always successfully to the altered circumstances, using existing institutions of community control. Events at the national level had relatively little impact upon what was occurring in the villages and towns: the factors which triggered change within the local context were minimally affected by the actions of the king, parliament, or the central courts. Yet the struggle of local leaders in attempting to deal with community problems helps to explain their willingness to accept the firm authority offered by Henry Tudor and his successors. English local life in the later fifteenth century has received little historical notice. Unlike our increasing understanding of the political, economic, and social activities of the nation's leading families, we still lack knowledge of what was going on at the lower levels.