5 - the problem of edward's age Flashcards
The Stability of the Monarchy
1
Q
Henry VIII’s Third Succession Act
A
if Edward died without an heir -> Mary
if Mary died without an heir -> Elizabeth
(reversed earlier Succession Acts which excluded Mary & Elizabeth)
2
Q
balance of the Regency Council
A
- reformists (led by Seymour/Somerset)
- Catholics (led by Norfolk & Gardiner)
3
Q
Who undermined the establishment of the Regency Council?
A
Denny & Paget
4
Q
William Paget
A
Secretary of State
5
Q
Denny
A
controlled the dry stamp
6
Q
How did Denny & Paget undermine the establishment of the Regency Council?
A
- left space in the King’s will for altercations
- details only added once King was close to death & unable to prevent them
- controlled who had access to Henry
- kept his death quiet for a few days so reformists could consolidate power
- easier with Gardiner removed & Norfolk in Tower
7
Q
minors on the throne before Edward (& their ages when they came to the throne)
A
- Henry III, 9yrs (civil war broke out, only once he came of age)
- Richard II, 10yrs (deposed 22 years after coming to throne)
- Henry VI, 8 months (Wars of Roses, England was relatively stable)
- Edward V, 12yrs (imprisoned & murdered by Richard III, ‘Prince in Tower’)
8
Q
reasons why a minor would create instability
A
- couldn’t lead troops into battle
- other states might look to exploit weakness & attack
- might return to civil war
- unable to control factional struggles
- concerns of his image (hard to portray him as powerful)
9
Q
the emergence of Somerset
A
- Edward’s uncle
- reputation as successful soldier during campaigns agst Scots (1540s)
- smooth transition of power
- argued agst Regency Council (16 equal members), unlikely to reach decisions
10
Q
How many members of the Regency Council were there?
A
16 members
