Council Learned in the Law facts for kids
The Council Learned in the Law was a special group that helped Henry VII of England, a king who ruled a long time ago. It was very unpopular and caused a lot of arguments during his time.
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What Was the Council Learned in the Law?
The Council Learned in the Law was a powerful part of King Henry VII's government. It was created to help the king manage his money and power. This group was not a regular court, but it had a lot of influence.
Why Was It Created?
Sir Reginald Bray came up with the idea for the Council Learned in 1495. Its main jobs were to:
- Protect the king's rights as a landlord.
- Make sure the king collected all the money he was owed.
- Use the king's special powers to get more money.
This council was much better at collecting money than the older system called the Exchequer.
How Did It Work?
The Council Learned in the Law was very good at making sure people paid their debts to the king. It also made a system of "bonds" and "recognisances" work well. These were like promises or agreements to pay money or do something. If you didn't keep your promise, you would owe the king even more money.
This council was a bit like a smaller part of the Star Chamber, another important court. But it was the Council Learned that made the king's money-collecting system so strong.
Who Were Empson and Dudley?
After Sir Reginald Bray died in 1503, Edmund Dudley took over. He worked closely with Sir Richard Empson. These two men were very skilled at finding ways to get money from the king's wealthy friends and important people. They were so good at it that they made many enemies among the king's own advisors.
Why Was It Unpopular and Abolished?
By the end of King Henry VII's rule, the Council Learned had become very disliked. People felt it was unfair and too harsh. After King Henry VII died in 1509, the council was quickly shut down.
Its two most important leaders, Edmund Dudley and Sir Richard Empson, were put in prison. Even though there wasn't much clear proof, they were found guilty of serious crimes and executed in 1510. People in the streets celebrated when they heard the news.
Was It Fair?
There is a lot of debate about whether the Council Learned in the Law was fair. Most of what we know about it comes from after 1509, when it had been officially condemned.
Empson was known for being very strict and harsh. Dudley later admitted that he had sometimes given out punishments that were tougher than the law allowed. This made many people see the council in a very negative way.
The Council Learned did not follow the usual legal rules. It was not a regular court, and people who were called before it could not appeal its decisions. It was a direct way for the king to show his power and get money. This made it important for both keeping the king's authority and raising money.
Images for kids
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Richard Empson, King Henry VII and Edmund Dudley
