A2 FP1 : Edward VI ; Somerset's fall from power Flashcards
Conceptual Awareness
Why were there grievances against Somerset due to his leadership?
- Somerset had alienated many people through his high-handed management. He was reluctant to delegate, often by-passed people from the council ; ruling from the ‘Protector’s palace’.
- Somerset gained personal power through ‘dividing and conquering’ the regency council.
Conceptual Awareness
Why were there grievances against Somerset due to his mishandling of Foreign Policy?
- Failed campaign against Scotland
- Declaration of War by France in 1549
- War very costly
Conceptual Awareness
Why were there grievances against Somerset due to his favouritism?
Somerset packed key positions with his own men and thereby controlled the king (e.g Sir Micheal Stanhope as Groom of the Stool 1547).
Conceptual Awareness
Why was there grievances against Somerset due to his money making extravagance?
He built lavishly, was able to accumulate fees, salaries and chantry lands - added £5000 to his income.
Conceptual Awareness
Why was there grievances towards Somerset due to his Social policy?
His views on social justice alienated the aristocracy and were seen to be bearing terrifying fruit in the Western and Kett Rebellions.
Conceptual Awareness
Why was there grievances towards Somerset due to his Religious Policies?
Many leading Catholics, such as the Earls of Arundel and Southampton, were opposed to religious reforms.
Conceptual Awareness
What Rebellion was the catalyst for Somerset’s downfall?
The Kett Rebellion
His leadership looked impotent due to his inability to handle the rebels.
What did Somerset do in response to the coup?
He moved the king to Windsor Castle with some 400 soldiers and poorly equipped peasants ; here he lost the king’s favour and was arrested after being accused of ‘Rousing the Commons’ and ‘Kidnapping the King’.
What did Northumberland do to maintain power?
He did not re-establish the protectorate as its excess of power was what led to Somerset’s downfall.
Turned on the Conservatives in a second coup - creating a protestant majority in the council by December 1549.
Appointed Sir. John Gates as vice chamberlain of the household.
What happened to Somerset?
Imprisoned until mid-1550 where he returned to court, he was given his goods back and his daughter married Northumberland’s son - howeve he continued plotting and Northumberland exaggerated details to that he could have him executed in January 1552.
