Edward's ascension Flashcards
The Will, Somerset rule, Somerset's Coup
Who drew up the first uncontroversial part of the will with the kings knowledge and when?
William Paget, December 1546
What were the initial terms of the Will?
A Regency council, equally consisting of Conservative and Reformists. Equal power to govern country until Edward turned 18.
How were key players able to add in extra details to the Will?
Plenty of space had been left between the clauses and the signature to add in further amendments when the king was sufficiently near death not to be able to stop them.
How did Seymour get monarchical power?
He was able to utilise a loophole which gave him full control of the council.
What else did Seymour do to secure his own position?
Ensured council was loaded with 15 of his closest allies
Who enabled the changes?
Anthony Denny held the dry stamp and was complicit
How could you argue that there was not a crisis?
- Third Act of Succession upheld
- Natural for Somerset to take power as Edwards uncle and successful soldier
- Considered unrealistic to have 16 equal member regency councillors, difficult to agree, damaging faction conflict
Demonstrate Somersets centralisation of power
Obtained sole custody of the dry stamp and tried to insist Edward’s signature was not valid without his countersignature. Attempted to tule w/out Parliament
Somerset centralisation of power [2]
Used his own household servants (Thomas Smith) as government officials. He also gave key positions to his most loyal supporters; Sir Michael Stanhope was made Groom of the Stool in 1547.
Somerset corruption/selfish nature
He built lavishly, was able to accumulate fees, salaries, offices, and chantry lands and added £5,000 to an already substantial income
How many proclamations did Somerset issue in comparison with Henry VIII?
77, Henry VIII 6
77, Henry VIII
Effectively bypassed, set up New Council at Somerset House
During his downfall, who accused Somerset of [—]?
19 Councillors accused him of ‘malice and evil government… pride, covetousness and extreme ambition’.
Who did the Anti-Somerset Coup consist of?
Williams Paget, Wriothesly and Warwick. Little in common, unable to act without events of October 1549
Where did Somerset retreat to when he lost hold of power?
Hampton Court
5th October 1549
Somerset issued a proclamation summoning all ‘loyal English men’ to defend him and the King.
6th October
Somerset moved to Windsor castle, taking Edward with him
What did Edward say of his treatment?
(‘me thinks I am in prison’), and that Somerset told him there would be riots in the streets if he fell from power. Somerset could not contradict the King and his removal from power and subsequent arrest followed within a week.
How did Warwick reinforce his emerging position?
By January 1550 the leading Catholic members of the Council, the Earls of Arundel and Southampton had been dismissed. Warwick also placed his own supporters in important positions around the King
Did Somerset’s fall ensure Warwick’s rise?
No since the Council contained mostly religious conservatives, who did not trust him. Warwick acted quickly to bring in his own allies, ensuring a Protestant majority.
How did Warwick exonerate Somerset?
Somerset was initially pardoned by Warwick in February 1550
Warwick declared that any who attacked Somerset, also attacked him.
Warwick restored Somerset to some offices and even arranged a marriage between the families, with Somerset’s daughter marrying his son.
