Case Studies of the First and Fourth Sessions

Case Studies of the First and Fourth Sessions

1. First Session

   • The Apology of the House of Commons
     • Drawn up by 72 MPs who feared that the increase in prerogative would result in the loss of priveledges
     • Reiterated the traditional priveledges of MPs
   • Goodwin vs Fortesque
     • Goodwin taken out, and replaced with Fortesque. Against free election and Goodwin was wrongly described as an outlaw
     • Trying to keep hold of priviledges for MPs
   • Impositions: Bates Case (1606)
     • Another way of forcing people to give James money
   • Shirley's Case
     • Was imprisoned for debt. A clear issue for parliamentary priveledges. He was released and his arrestor sent to the tower
   • Union between England and Scotland
     • James wanted, one King, one language, one faith, one law, one parliament etc
     • Perfect Union
   • Wardship
     • Payment to the crown for marrying off a young girl. Father's had to save loads of money to buy the wardship of their children
     • Undermined parliament
   • Purveyance
     • A "dodgy" way of getting money
     • Takes goods at a lower value than market value

2. Fourth Session

   • Financial Inheritance
     • An inadequate revenue system; Elizabeth sold off land, crown lands rented out. Impositions used to overcome this
     • Began his reign with a debt of £422,000
     • Inflation was also a problem
   • The Work of Salisbury
     • Was sympathetic to grievances of parliament and aware of the Kings dilemma
     • Called for an end to purveyances and wardship etc and get an annual income of £200,000
     • Failed and parliament was dissolved
   • Excessive Expenditure
     • "too much inclined to giving" - Archbishop of York
     • Spending 60% more than what he had, could not make ends meet, victim of circumstance