1. Edward VI, Somerset and Northumberland Flashcards
What problems were there with succession?
Religious divisions throughout the country, crown finances had been ruined by war against France and Scotland, debasement of coinage led to inflation, long-term security of the crown was compromised by the selling off monastic lands at a discount
What was the Regency council?
Set up by Henry VIII to govern England during the initial years of Edward’s reign.
Contained a balance of protestants and conservatives.
It did not last long as its authority was delegated to Hertford who was appointed as protector.
What power did Hertford hold?
He rewarded himself with a promotion to the Duke of Somerset.
He governed largely with members of his own household.
He controlled the Privy Council through the appointment of Michael Stanhope as Chief Gentleman.
What opposition was there to the Duke of Somerset?
Members of the Privy Council felt resentment to him.
Thomas Seymour, Somerset’s brother, sought to turn Edward VI against his brother.
In response Somerset brought treason charges against him.
Seymour was denounced but this emphasised the popular opposition to Somerset.
What caused opposition to Somerset?
His dictatorial manner created enemies.
His approach to foreign policy, especially with Scotland, was unpopular.
He badly mishandled rebellions that broke out in 1549.
One of his main enemies was the Earl of Warwick who used the mishandled rebellion as an opportunity to strike.
How did the Earl of Warwick attack Somerset?
In August 1549, him and several supporters began the attack.
In October, there was a stand-off between the conspirators and Somerset.
Somerset, who still had control of the King, retreated from Hampton Court to Windsor.
After having been promised no treason charges, Somerset surrendered.
What came after the fall of Somerset?
Warwick promoted himself to Duke of Northumberland.
He appointed Sir John Gate as Vice-Chamberlain to ensure his control over the court.
Somerset attempted a counter-coup which failed and he was executed.
What determined the religion of Edward VI’s reign?
Fearful that he may be ejected by the conservatives, Warwick purged conservatives Southampton and Arundel.
Cranmer’s support and the King’s own beliefs determined the protestant religion of the regime.
Why was Somerset’s counter coup significant?
Northumberland reacted by attempting to become less conciliar in his approach to government.
This meant he started to behave the way that Somerset had before he was removed.
How did Henry VIII lay down the plan for succession after Edward VI?
He laid down that if Edward were to die without children, he should be succeeded by Mary.
Why did Northumberland try to alter succession?
In February 1553 he was taken ill and it was believed that he would die.
Northumberland realised that, if Mary succeeded, Catholicism would be restored and Northumberland, who was protestant, would be ruined and his life would be in danger.
How did Northumberland try to alter succession?
A plan known as the Devyse was produced.
Northumberland’s choice of successor was Lady Jane Grey who was married to his son.
In June 1553, Mary and Elizabeth were both declared illegitimate.
How did Edward view the plan to alter succession?
Edward was also anxious to ensure the continuation of Protestantism and was willing to exclude his half-sisters (Mary and Elizabeth) from the succession.
What was the result of Northumberland’s Devyse?
Edward died on 6th July 1553 before parliament could meet.
Without parliamentary sanction the Devyse was illegal.
Despite this, on 9th July 1553 he proclaimed Lady Jane Grey as queen.
How did Somerset deal with foreign policy with Scotland?
He took an aggressive approach to Scotland in an attempt to reassert the king’s claim to the Scottish throne.
He aimed to enforce a marriage between Edward VI and Mary Queen of Scots to unite the crowns.
