Edward VI 1547 - 1553 Flashcards
Legacy of H8
Henry died when Ed was still a child so, control of the throne was done under the regency of Edward Seymour- uncle and duke of Somerset
Ed 9 years old
Protector Somerset 1547 - 1549
Brother of Jane
When Henry died Seymour took control of the regency council and took title as duke of Somerset
Split the council by pitting members against each other causing divisions- allowed him power
Religious Reform 1547 - 1549
Somerset sympathetic to protestantism but aware that any major changes would cause divisions in England e.g pilgrimage of Grace
Set out to make a full scale enquiry into the state of the Church of England via a survey
When did Parliament meet for the first time under Ed?
1547
Passed measures in order to enact more religious changes
Treason Act replaced the 6 articles
Act of Uniformity
First major Protestant change under Ed
1549
Try to deal with religious divisions by imposing a single standard of worship across England
English primary language to be used in worship
Foreign Policy
H8 died with conflicts with France and Scotland (1547)
Initial plan to marry MQOS with Ed but Scotland refused (1547)
Somerset tried to form an alliance with France with Scotland but France renewed the Auld alliance with Scotland instead (1547)
Worsened as France sends 4000 troops to Scotland
Costly but England had some mminor victories such as the Battle of Pinkie (1547)
How much did conflict with Scotland cost?
£600,000
Foreign Policy 1549
Somerset withdrew troops from Scotland amidst growning discontent in England
Economic Policy under Somerset
Biggest issue growing issue with inflation following Debasement of the coinage
Population growth
Led to social unrest and rebellions
Western or Prayer Book rebellion
1549
Majority caused by religious changes with the new book of common prayer
Economic issues also had a large role
No attempt to move towards England instead waited for gov to come to them, Somerset failed to respond
Kett’s rebellion
1549
Economic and Religious motives
Protest to land enclosure
Did not attempt to march to London, ran peaceful campaign against enclosure
Fall of Somerset
Rebellions contributed, especially as they were unrelated
Arrested 1549 on orders of council and charged with treason
Executed 1552
Dudley, Duke of Northumberland 1549 - 53
Became leader following Somerset
Ed 11 yrs old
Ruled as ‘lord president’ ad put down the rebellions of 1549
Restored law and order in rural areas
Death of Edward
Died 1553
Age 16
According to Henry’s will the Catolic Mary was next in line
The Devyse
Plan to change the succession from Mary to Lady Jane Grey (Cousin of Edward)
Initially accepted by the Privy Council but changed as Northumberland failed to defeat Mary’s army
LJG only ruled for 9 days
