Duke of Somerset Flashcards
1
Q
What problems did EdVI have coming to the throne?
A
- Holding on to power - his uncle Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford seized control of govt.
- Religion - country divided on religious grounds.
- Economic - coinage had been debased to pay for war, inflation rose and real incomes fell.
- Security - crown had compromised its own long term security by selling off monastic lands at a discount to raise money quickly.
- Finance - crown finances had been ruined by expensive wars against Fr + Scot.
2
Q
What did H8’s will say?
A
- Regency council set up to govern during EdVI’s minority.
- Comprised of 16 members (supported by further 12)
- Decisions to be made by majority + balanced between Protestants (Hertford, Cranmer, Sir Anthony Denny) and religious conservatives (Wriothesley now Earl of Southampton, Lord St John).
- Several administrators and lawyers to ensure the interests of good govt.
- Great noble families under represented.
Did not last long; delegated power to Hertford who was apt protector.
3
Q
Why were govt fearful for good order and security?
A
- Age of EdVI - minority rule had not worked well in past.
- Hertford assuming role + authority of Lord Protector not necessarily accepted.
- Archbishop Cranmer’s homily on obedience 1547 to be read in parish churches making clear that obedience to authority of king was in accordance with will of God, disobedience = mortal sin.
4
Q
Who was Sir Michael Stanhope?
A
- A Nottinghamshire gentleman, owed his position to marriage of his sister to Duke of Somerset (Edward Seymour).
- Remained closely linked and Stanhope was a key household officer under EdVI as Groom of the Stool and Chief Gentleman of Privy Chamber - in other words kings keeper.
- Imprisoned when Somerset fell from power and executed following involvement in Somerset’s attempted coup against N’land.
5
Q
What were the Duke of Somerset’s names and titles in order?
A
- Edward Seymour (EdVI’s uncle, brother of Jane Seymour)
- Earl of Hertford
- Duke of Somerset
6
Q
Who supported Duke of Somerset and how did he reward them?
A
- Archbishop Cranmer, John Dudley, Viscount Lisle (later Earl of Warwick), Duke of N’land and Sir William Paget.
- Rewarded with promotions within peerage and grants of crown lands.
7
Q
How did Somerset take control?
A
- Within weeks Somerset awarded himself control - governing largely with mbers of own household (only one mber of Privy Council).
- Controlled Privy Chamber by appt supporter Sir Michael Stanhope as Chief Gentleman.
8
Q
What was the resentment that emerged and the impact of Somerset taking control?
A
- Increasingly Privy Council felt resentment at procterate, Earl of Southampton was arrested.
- No guarantee of wider public acceptance of Somerset.
- Consequently widespread fears about the breakdown of law and order.
9
Q
What is an example of factional rivalry within the regime?
A
- Somerset’s brother Thomas Seymour tried to turn EdVI against Somerset and plot with Earl of Southampton against him.
- Somerset broughout treason charges against Thomas Seymour - assisted by Southampton who denounced Seymour and therefore achieved readmission to council.
10
Q
How did Somerset’s style of govt and policy failures combine to weaken him?
A
- Approach to foreign policy, especially with Scot.
- Badly mishandled 1549 rebellions (Western + Kett’s)
- Arrogant + dictorial manner created enemies especially Southampton + Earl of Warwick.
11
Q
What was the downfall of Somerset and what was Earl of Warwick’s role in it?
A
- Aug 1549 Warwick and Southampton, along with 2 other conservative noblemen decided Somerset’s control should end.
- Tried to secure support of princess Mary but she avoided it.
- Oct 1549 ready to strike.
- Standoff between conspirators based in London and Somerset who was at Hampton court but crucially had control over king.
- Eventually Somerset surrendered with promise of no treason charges against him.
