 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2012) |
New men is a term referring to various upwardly mobile groups in premodern England, particularly under the dynasties of Lancaster, York and Tudor (1399–1603). The term may refer to new aristocracy, enriched gentry, or middle-class professionals who held important positions in government, most notably during the reign of Henry VII.
In the Late Middle Ages, social mobility was not generally seen as a good thing, and could be regarded as dangerous to the social order. The continuously expanding economy had always afforded some space for the betterment of ambitious commoners, but they were traditionally expected to accomplish this within the ecclesiastical rather than the secular hierarchy. Heavy losses taken by the ruling classes in the 15th century's Wars of the Roses were followed in the 16th century by accelerating economic growth and the English Reformation, which made available many administrative roles formerly filled by clergy and much wealth formerly held by monasteries. Many opportunities for upward mobility thus became available at the top of society, for those with the ambition and skill to take advantage.