The Restoration of a Strong Government under Henry VII Henry VII's relationships with the nobility are controversial, but opinions on his success are subjective. When discussing the degree of success, there must be some criteria by which to judge the topic. In this case the "restoration of strong government" can be measured by a thorough study of what Henry VII set out to accomplish and whether he achieved his goals. He appreciated the importance of the nobility in local government and did not want to "crush" them, but simply control them. and limit their power, preventing rebellions and civil wars. This essay examines the level of success Henry had in implementing his methods. I agree to some extent that the nobility was the main cause of the establishment of a strong government, but there are other reasons for the restoration of a strong government, which are also key causes. In the aftermath of the Wars of the Roses, Henry was aware that understanding with the nobility was vital to stability and security. Limiting their numbers helped ensure this. In medieval England, a strict social hierarchy formed the basis of the government system. However, during the civil wars, the nobility took the law into their own hands by “acting as quasi-kings in their own localities.” This seriously undermined the monarchy. To prevent this problem from recurring, Henry VII limited the number of noble families by not creating many new nobles. For example, Edward IV created, in total, nine earls, two viscounts and thirteen barons, as well as rewards of duchies for existing peers. Henry VII once created an earl and five barons, promoting his uncle, Jasper Tudor, from earl of...... middle of paper ......ority, Henry successfully managed to control the influence of the nobility without causing resentment. in controlling the nobility by creating a few new noble titles, thus limiting their number. He also staunchly enforced anti-livery and maintenance laws without fear or favor. In the last years of his reign, when due to Arthur's death he felt insecure; Henry began to use the system of constraints and awards harshly. This provoked a reaction from the nobility after his death. Despite his harshness, Henry still made good use of the nobility to help him govern both locally and nationally and they also formed an important presence in the Royal Council. Early Tudor England was a society that believed in good government from above and providing it to its subjects. Henry's nobility played a key role.