Tudor Statesmen 1485-1603

While the Tudor monarchs were very much rulers, having the final say on almost everything, they did not rule alone. They all had a Chief Minister who helped them to rule and a Privy Council to help them make decisions. Parliament was much less important in the Tudor period that it is now. Parliament passed laws and raised taxes but was only held when needed. Consequently there could be months or even years between Parliaments.

Below are some of the most important statesmen of the Tudor Period. Both Henry VII and Elizabeth I rewarded their long serving ministers but Henry VIII executed most of his!

JOHN MORTON (C.1420-1500) Chief Minister to Henry VII Built Lamberth Palace		RICHARD EMPSON (c.1450-1510) Chief Minister to Henry VII Executed by Henry VIII
EDMUND DUDLEY (c.1462-1510) Chief Minister to Henry VII Executed by Henry VIII		THOMAS WOLSEY (c.1473-1530) Chief Minister to Henry VIII Built Hampton Court Palace
THOMAS MORE (1478-1535) Chief Minister to Henry VIII Executed by Henry VIII		THOMAS CROMWELL (c.1485-1540) Chief Minister to Henry VIII Executed by Henry VIII
THOMAS WRIOTHESLEY (c.1505-1550) Chief Advisor to Henry VIII		EDWARD SEYMOUR (c.1500-1552) Lord Protector under Edward VI Executed in 1552
JOHN DUDLEY (1504-1553) Lord Protector under Edward VI Executed by Mary I		STEPHEN GARDINER (c.1483-1555) Lord Chancellor to Mary I Secretary to Henry VIII
WILLIAM PAULET (c.1483-1572) A Chief Advisor to Mary I Lord Treasurer to Elizabeth I		WILLIAM CECIL (c.1520-1598) Chief Minister to Elizabeth I Lord Treasurer
FRANCIS WALSINGHAM (c.1532-1590) Secretary to Elizabeth I Spymaster		ROBERT CECIL (c.1563-1612) Chief Minister to Elizabeth I (Later to James I)

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