Chapter Five - The Stability of the Monarchy Flashcards
The Third Succession Act
In 1543, Henry VIII issued a succession plan for whenever he died. Edward VI would be king, and if he died without heirs, Mary I would be queen, and if she died without heirs, Elizabeth I would be queen. This reversed previous succession acts, which excluded Mary I and Elizabeth, however, Henry VIII’s succession act didn’t legitimise Mary I and Elizabeth I.
Henry VIII’s aims of stability
Henry VIII confirmed the Third Succession Act because he wanted to ensure a peaceful succession. He attempted to establish a Regency Council balanced between Reformists and Catholics, but this was unsuccessful.
Concerns about Edward VI
Edward VI wouldn’t be able to lead troops into war and other countries may exploit him. There were fears that England would return to a period of civil war, and if factional struggles occurred, Edward VI would be unable to control them. There were concerns that England wouldn’t appear powerful due to Edward’s minority.
Somerset’s power
Somerset had a reputation for being a successful soldier and he was the uncle of Edward VI. Henry VIII’s death was kept a secret until Somerset secured power and had possession of Edward VI. There were also reasonable arguments against a Regency Council. Somerset’s questionable way of coming to power added to the potential for instability and perhaps could encourage others to question Somerset’s dominance and legality.
Arguments against a Regency Council
Every member having an equal voice would make it difficult to have decisions agreed upon. It may also encourage factional unrest.
Criticism of the Duke of Somerset
Since the Duke of Somerset was Lord Protector, he used his position to increase his personal wealth and power, which resulted in criticism from his opponents and former supporters.
Fall of the Duke of Somerset
Support for the Duke of Somerset and his policies declined. Ruling elites were concerned with the riots and disorder. Many disliked the Duke of Somerset’s personal style of government, and this led to the formation of an anti-Somerset faction. This faction included Warwick, Paget and Wriothesley.
The Duke of Somerset’s abduction of Edward VI
On October 5th 1549, the Duke of Somerset retreated to Hampton Court as a result of him losing power. On October 6th 1549, the Duke of Somerset took Edward VI with him to Windsor Castle, however Edward VI fell ill and informed his officials of the Duke of Somerset’s threats. The Duke of Somerset was arrested.
The Earl of Warwick
The Council contained a majority of religious conservatives who didn’t trust the Earl of Warwick. Warwick brought in his own allies and removed his opponents, and this resulted in a Protestant majority on the Council. In early December 1549, there were rumours of a Catholic plot to remove Warwick and they used the argument that Warwick was friends with the Duke of Somerset.
The Earl of Warwick’s power
The Earl of Warwick declared that any who attacked the Duke of Somerset also attacked him, and by January 1550 the leading Catholic members of the council had been dismissed. Warwick also placed his own supporters in important positions around Edward VI to influence him and secure Warwick’s position. This also forced Warwick to ally with more religiously radical members of the council and impacted religious developments.
The Earl of Warwick’s attempted reconciliation with the Duke of Somerset
Once the Earl of Warwick - now the Duke of Northumberland - was secure, he attempted a reconciliation with the Duke of Somerset. The Duke of Somerset was released from jail, his goods were restored, his daughter married the son of the Duke of Northumberland, he was restored to court and the Privy Council. However, the Duke of Somerset continued to plot, and as a result he was executed on January 22nd 1552. Despite the accusations against the Duke of Somerset, there is evidence to suggest that some of the accusations were fabricated to justify his execution.
Duke of Northumberland’s plot
In order to secure his power, the Duke of Northumberland arranged for his son, Guilford Dudley, to marry Lady Jane Grey; as Edward VI’s health declined in 1553. This was changed in Edward VI’s will.
Edward VI’s plot
Some argue that in order to preserve Protestantism, Edward VI was the driving force behind the Devise for the Succession in May 1553, since he was in greater control and attended Privy Council meetings and set agendas.
Preparation of the Devise for the Succession
There were no male heirs of the Grey family and no possibility of any being born before Edward VI died. In early June 1553, the devise was altered to make Lady Jane Grey the heir. To commit and solidify the devise, councillors and articles were signed.
Execution of the Devise for the Succession
The plot was poorly managed. As an experienced soldier, the Duke of Northumberland would’ve ensured he has sufficient forces available to secure control. Instead, he dismissed his forces in 1552. He also would have ensured that Mary was captured, yet she escaped to East Anglia. He also would have launched a propaganda campaign to prepare England for the change in succession. This argues that Edward VI had more control of the Devise for the Succession.
