Only one took place in the sixteenth century, and the Duke of Suffolk was by some thought worthy of death for his presumption in marrying the sister of Henry VIII.

The peerage was weakened not only by diminishing numbers, but by the systematic depression of those who remained.

Henry VII., like Ferdinand of Aragon,[72] preferred to govern by means of lawyers and churchmen; they could be rewarded by judgeships and bishoprics, and required no grants from the royal estates.

Their occupancy of office kept out territorial magnates who abused it for private ends.

Of the sixteen regents nominated by Henry VIII.