5 - faction & its impact under edward vi

Question 1

impact of the 1549 unrest

Answer 1

• unrest in the countryside put down
• ruling elite concerned by disorder (some of the rebels complaints = against them)
• disquiet within governing circles about Somerset’s govt (shown through Paget’s letters to Somerset)
• led to the formation of an anti-Somerset faction

Question 2

anti-Somerset faction

Answer 2

• little in common (only dislike of Somerset’s policies)
• included figures such as Paget, Northumberland & Wriothesley
• 1549 unrest gave them opportunity to act

Question 3

Why was Wriothesley part of the anti-Somerset faction?

Answer 3

opposed to Somerset’s religious policies

Question 4

Why was Northumberland part of the anti-Somerset faction?

Answer 4

saw an opportunity to advance his own power

Question 5

Why was Paget part of the anti-Somerset faction?

Answer 5

concerned about Somerset ignoring his advice

Question 6

Where did Somerset go with Edward once his hold on power declined?

Answer 6

Hampton Court

Question 7

What did Somerset do once his hold on power declined?

Answer 7

• fled to Hampton Court with Edward
• summoned loyal subjects to Hampton Court to defend him & the King
• moved to Windsor the next day with Edward

Question 8

What was Edward’s reaction to Somerset taking him once his hold on power declined?

Answer 8

• fell ill
• claimed he was a prisoner
• abandoned his uncle
• stated that Somerset threatened riots if he was removed from power

Question 9

How did Somerset react to Edward’s claims that he’d threatened riots to try and preserve his power?

Answer 9

• denied the claims
• was removed from power within a week for contradicting the King

Question 10

How did Northumberland triumph after Somerset’s fall?

Answer 10

• brought in his own allies to the Council so that there was a Protestant majority
• declared that any who attacked Somerset were also attacking him (rumoured Catholic plot agst him)
• removed leading Catholic figures & was made Lord President of the Council
• placed his own supporters in important positions around Edward
• forced to ally with more religiously radical members

Question 11

How long did the factional struggle during Northumberland’s triumph last?

Answer 11

October 1549 - early 1550 (short-lived)

Question 12

What did Northumberland do with Somerset?

Answer 12

• released him from jail
• goods were restored
• his daughter married Northumberland’s son
• restored to court & Privy Council
• eventually executed for continuing to plot

Question 13

When was Somerset executed?

Answer 13

22nd January 1552