13.1 Royal Authority under Edward VI Flashcards
How old was Edward when he came to the throne and what happened
9, his uncle Edward Seymour was given the reigns of government
Why had the inheritance of power been difficult
- The country was religiously divided
- Expensive wars with France and Scotland had financially ruined the country
- The sale of monastic lands for cheap to fund wars compromised long-term security
What did Henry originally setup to handle government
A regency council, comprised of 6 Catholic and 6 Protestant members. Decisions were to be a majority
What happened to the regency council
It got shutdown and Edward Seymour took the reigns
Who did Edward Somerset count on the support of
Cranmer, William Paget and Viscount Lisle.
What did Edward award himself
The title of ‘Duke of Somerset’
What did Edward award his friends
Patronage
How did Somerset reinforce his power in government
- Controlling the Privy Council by appointing Sir Michael Stanhope as Chief Gentleman
- Governing largely with members of his own household
How did members respond to the protectorate of Seymour
Not well. They slowly became to resent his method of governing
Seymour had imprisoned the Earl of Southampton which many councillors saw as ridiculous
Why did some people fear Law and Order was going to break down
There was no guarantee people would accept the Duke of Somerset.
What soon began to appear following Edwards leadership
Factional rivalries
What factional rivalries appeared
- Thomas Seymour, Edwards brother
- Earl of Warwick/Southampton and other high ranking nobles decided they didnt want Edward in government anymore
What happened with the rilvary with Thomas Seymour
Thomas attempted to turn Edward VI against Edward. Thomas also conspired with the Earl of Southampton, who refused and was re-accepted into the court as a result
What were Seymours policy failures
- Foreign policy with Scotland
- Mishandled the 1549 rebellion
Why was Seymours personality not popular
He was arrogant and ruled like a dictator. He was ruthless and disliked - as emphasised by the factional rivalries and imprisonment of the Earl of Southampton
What were Somersets overall failures
- Policy failings
- Style of Government
What did Somersets failing scause
A reduction in support and the emergence of enemies, like the Earl of Warwick
What gave Somesets enemies opportunity to mount a coup
His poor response to the 1549 rebellions
What happened in August 1549
Earl of Warwick, Earl of Southampton and others decided that somerset shouldn’t rule no longer
Somerest took control of the King, but gave up his power when treason charges were dropped
What was the Duke of Northumberland keen not to do
Contain concentrated power as Somerset had done.
What coup did the Duke of Northumberland execute
A coup against the conservatives in government because they wished to preside over a regency led by Mary
What did the Duke of Northumberland do to extend his power
Assign himself as the Duke of Northumberland and assigned John Gates as Vice Chamberlain of the household to ensure court control
Who was assigned as Vice Chamberlain under Nothumberland
John Gates
How effective was the DON government
Reasonably effective - John Paget had made changes to the means of operating the Privy Council to make it more efficient - albeit he was excluded from decision making
Who became the DON’s key administrator
William Cecil
What was Somersets counter-coup
Somerset devised a plan to sit on the throne again. Northumberland found out and executed him
What was the impact of Somersets counter-coup
Northumberland became anxious, and adopted a less councilliar form of government and ruled more like somerset had done.
What did John Gates hold that was very important
The wax seal, so he could wax documents and pass it as the King;s wishes.
What happened to the dispersion of power under Northumberland
Became more concentrated in the hands of John Gates and Northumberland.
