ABSTRACT
A. F. Henry VIII was a statesman, and he had long intended to reform the north. His experimental councils are one sign of this. His intrigues against the Percys are another. The councils were in a perpetual state of reorganisation. The wardens of the Marches were often in trouble for treason and at other times pursued spirited blood-feuds among themselves or with the Scots wardens. This council must not be confused with the Council of the North, as it was a totally distinct body. It was a makeshift means of dealing with the problem of the Borders. The Council of the North was thus constituted in 1537, but as yet it had no independent authority. The members did not even sign Yorkshire Norfolk’s despatches, and the Duke quoted their advice only when he was suggesting measures which would be disagreeable to the King.
