Elites and patronage in late medieval and early modern England

This thesis examines the role of patronage in the lives of late medieval and early modern English elites and landed gentry. The shift from the Yorkist monarchy to the Tudors and the decline of medieval feudalism forced elites to find other ways to become relevant in multiple facets of society. Patronage provided the opportunity for these individuals to build long-term and short-term relationships with others who could provide valuable favors. These networks were grown through the use of letter writing and gift giving practices. Reciprocal in nature, these relationships were based in responsibility towards one another. This made members of the elite dependent on each other to gain advantageous connections such as marriages, positions, and increased influence in arenas like politics and religion.;Two late medieval and two early modern letter collections were analyzed to determine the prevalence of patronage requests and the primary purpose for such requests. These collections focused on the correspondence of the Stonor, Paston, and Lisle families in addition to the letters of Thomas Cromwell. Letter samples from each collection were chosen by time span, 1473-1500 and 1524-1540, as well as size, to maintain comparability. This examination found that three categories, social, courts, and religious, were the most common forms of patronage employed to gain reputation and influence. This thesis argues, through the evidence found within the collections, that participation in patronage networks was required to gain influence and reputation within the elite social group. Non-participation negatively impacted familial and non-kin relationships, and the correspondence illustrates that those within the four chosen collections recognized the importance of patronage. Each collection demonstrates active involvement in gaining new connections while maintaining old connections for the purpose of acquiring mobility within their social class. Many times, these letters included tangible gifts that helped to increase obligation between patron and client. These gifts provided physical reminders of previous commitments to those within one's patronage network and newly created commitments.