Edward VI (1547 - 1553)

Question 1

Why did Edward have a difficult inheritance when he came to the throne?

Answer 1

1. Country was religiously divided
2. The Crown was ruined by expensive wars against France and Scotland - Henry was forced to sell most of the assets to cover the costs
3. Debasement of the coinage - lead to high inflation and decline in real incomes
4. Crown compromised long term security by selling off monastic lands

Question 2

What happened to the Regency Counil?

Answer 2

It did not survive for long, Hertford was appointed as Protector - gave him considerable power

Question 3

What did Cranmer published and what effect did it have?

Answer 3

Homily on Obedience (1547), clergy was required to reinforce to their congregations that obedience to the authority of the king was in accordance with the will of God - disobedience was a mortal sin

Question 4

How did the Duke of Somerset reinforce his power?

Answer 4

Controlled the Privy Chamber through appointment of his supporter, Michael Stanhope as Chief Gentlemen

Question 5

What was the Privy Council’s view on Somerset?

Answer 5

Increasingly the members felt resentment - the Earl of Southampton was arrested - there was no guarantee of wider public acceptance of Somerset’s protectorate

Question 6

What was the fear?

Answer 6

Widespread fears about the breakdown of law and order