The monarchy and government

• Tudor monarchy was personal
• The monarchs Powers were curbed by the magna carta written in 1215
• The Royal Court served the monarch wherever they went
• The Royal Court was an informal source of power. Those who wanted power and influence went in search of patronage
• The Royal Court was also important for display. Allowed the monarch to emphasise power and wealth through expensive displays
• The Royal household were a wide range of people who served the monarch and their family
• The Royal household was criticised when it was too large or costly
• There were occasional attempts to reform the household to reduce expenses e.g. Thomas wolsey issued the Eltham Ordinances in 1526 which was unsuccessful
• The Eltham ordinances were reforms that proposed a smaller council of 20 men which would reduce the size and cost of the royal household
• The monarchs living arrangements were structured so that access to them was closely controlled
• The privy (or private) chamber was a series of rooms where the monarch and his family lived
• The privy chamber had strict rules about entry, only those with permission could enter
• The privy chamber was guarded by yeomen of the guard