14. The devise and succession in 1553 Flashcards
What did it say in Henry VIII’s will?
That if Edward died without children, he would be succeeded by Princess Mary
When was Edward taken ill?
February 1553
Why was Edward’s decline in health a problem for Northumberland?
Mary would come to the throne, which would restore England to Catholicism, and threaten Northumberland’s career and life
What was Edward anxious to continue?
Protestantism
What was Edward prepared to do to continue Protestantism?
Exclude both his half sisters from the throne as he viewed them both as illegitimate
Who was Edward and Northumberland’s preferred choice for the next monarch?
Lady Jane Grey
Who was Lady Jane Grey?
The granddaughter of Henry VIII’s younger sister Mary, so Edward’s cousin
Who was Lady Jane Grey married to?
Northumberland’s son, Guildford Dudley
What was the succession initially altered by?
the ‘devise for the succession’
When was the Devise for the Succession issued?
May 1553
What did the Devise for the Succession do?
Changed the line of succession to either a brother of Lady Jane Grey or Lady Jane Grey’s male heirs
What did Edward want his heir to be?
male
Why did Edward draw up his second Devise?
It was clear that no male would be born into the Grey line before he died
When was Edward’s second devise drawn up?
early June 1553
What did the second devise do?
Made Lady Jane Grey heir
What was drawn up for the council?
Articles
Who had to sign the articles?
Councillors to show their commitment
When did Edward die?
6th July 1553
What did Edward die before?
Before parliament could ratify the scheme
How long was Edward’s death kept quiet for?
2 days
Why was Edward’s death kept quiet?
So prominent men in London could be forced to sign the Devise
Who supported the scheme?
The privy council
Who raised forces?
The council ordered sheriffs and justices of nearby counties to raise forces
What did Mary do once she heard of Edward’s death?
She sent letters to the privy council proclaiming herself Queen and emphasising her legitimacy
What did the Privy Council do about Mary’s letters?
They dismissed her claims and declared Jane queen (against her own wishes)
When did Jane become queen?
10th July 1553
What did Mary do in response to Jane becoming queen?
Mary sent letters of summons to raise an army, and asking the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, to help
What did Northumberland have to do because of Mary?
Leave London and march to Framlingham Castle, where Mary was based
What happened when Northumberland was out of the city?
The privy council changed sides and declared for Mary
What happened while Northumberland marched for Mary?
Many of his troops deserted, despite Northumberland offering extra pay
What did Northumberland do as a result of his troops deserting him?
He abandoned his march and retreated to Cambridge, where he proclaimed Mary queen
What happened when Mary entered London?
She was greeted with enthusiasm
How many days did Jane rule as Queen?
9 days
What happened to Jane?
She was imprisoned in the Tower of London with Guildford and Northumberland
When was Northumberland executed?
22 August, despite his renunciation of Protestantism
What did Mary think of Jane?
Intially, she accepted her as an innocent pawn. However, when Jane’s father was involved in Wyatt’s rebellion in early 1554, Jane was executed
Why did the plan fail?
-Northumberland attempted to interfere with the legitimate succession
-the Device was objectively illegal
-Northumberland made lots of errors
Why did people think Northumberland was trying to hold onto his own power?
He promoted the claims of his son’s wife
What tactical errors did Northumberland make?
-dismissed his professional troops in 1552 so struggled to raise an army
-didn’t ensure he had possession of Mary by the time Edward died
-didn’t launch a propaganda campaign to attempt to gain popular support
