ABSTRACT
The King's Council it had an important role in government, and it is hardly surprising that its character varied with the effectiveness of each individual king. The problems of writing a history of the late medieval Council result from the patchy survival of its records. The Great Council, which met for at least five days, and was attended by forty-three men at least once, dealt with major political issues such as negotiations with France, customs regulations, and the possible modification of the statutes of Pro-visors and Praemunire. Magnate interest in conciliar activity in times of crisis illustrates how the Council was at the centre of political struggles, but the intermittent nature of their interest in its proceedings makes it clear that they had little concern for administrative routine. Henry VII's Council had a strongly professional character, and the length of tenure of the great offices by individuals suggests that he relied greatly on their expertise in government.
