Edward VI Flashcards
What were Somerset’s aims in foreign policy?
- Marriage between Edward IV and Mary - Complete war with Scotland - Avoid war with France - Prevent a revival of the Auld Alliance
Where had the marriage alliance between Mary and Edward been arranged previously?
- Treaty of Greenwich - Also mentioned in Henry’s will
What happened in June to September 1547 in Scotland?
- June 1547 Henry II sent a fleet of 4000 soldiers to Scotland - In retaliation, in September 1547, Somerset launched a naval attack and a invasion of Scotland
Which Battle saw a decisive victory for the English?
- The Battle of Pinkie - 10th September 1547
What did Somerset do in Edinburgh after this battle and what caused him to go back to London?
- Entered Edinburgh and captured main border strongholds - However, Somerset faced domestic concerns leading him to return to London
What did Somerset leave in control in his absence?
- Garrisons
Define Garrisons/Garrisoning
- leaving smaller groups of troops to defend/ be stationed at a particular area
How many garrisons were set up between 1547 and 1549?
- 25 set up and a further 14 planned
What were the positives of garrisons?
- Longer term solution - Better solution to Scottish hit-and-run guerrilla warfare - Meant that England could counter Scottish attacks easier - Helped secure marriage
What were the negatives of garrisons?
- Expensive - Only some were substantial forces/bases - Most garrisons only had a few hundred troops, so they could not hold back a full Scottish force or a French attack.
How much was spent on garrison wages?
£351,521
When did French troops arrive in Scotland, and when?
- 10,000 - June 1548
What effect did the French invasion have on the garrisons?
The invasion made the garrisons unworkable
Which treaty was signed between Scotland and France? What did this involve?
- Treaty of Haddington - This married Mary Queen of Scots to Henry II’s son - This also put the Scots under control of the French King
Why the Treaty of Haddington make English lose interest in Scotland?
- The marriage alliance was the main reason for their presence in Scotland
What did the French do in Scotland after the Treaty of Haddington?
- The French started the besiege Haddington - This led Somerset to realise he was likely to lose Bolougne
Why did Somerset lose troops at Haddington?
- rebellions broke out in 1549, leading Somerset to remove troops - English troops were brought back at the end of 1549
What happened at Haddington?
- It was abandoned - However the French had already withdraw do the cost and wanting to recover Boulogne
What was the Book of Homilies?
- a collection of model sermons to be read by clergy who couldn’t preach themselves
What was Erasmus’ paraphrases and what were the orders regarding this?
- summaries of the New Testament - It was ordered that these should be placed in every church
Who else wrote sermons?
- Archbishop Cranmer, including one supporting the Lutheran belief of justification by faith alone
What happened to people who objected this? Give examples?
- Those who objected were inprisoned - examples = Gardiner and Bonner
When were these injunctions in all churches?
1549
What did these injunctions directly attack?
- directly attacked Catholic features, including lights, images, stained glass windows, prayers, processions and practices
What was the Chantries Act and when was it passed?
- This was an act that was revived from Henry VIII’s last parliament in 1545 - However it contained a new preamble condemning all prayers for the dead
Why were prayers for the dead significant to Catholics?
- People believed that without praying for the dead, people would not reach heaven
What did Historian D.Loades say about the Chantries act?
‘in fact the Chantries Act was more significant as a gesture of reform than it was an act of plunder’
Why did many disapprove of the Chantries Act?
- People believed it was for money, rather than for religion - this lead to anger across england
When were the Six Articles repealed and what effect did this have?
- Repealed in November and December 1547 - The Six Articles had re-established key Catholic doctrines at the end of Henry’s reign - This left the church in uncertainty without an official doctrine
When was the Treason Act repealed, and why did this cause problems?
- November and December 1547 - This removed the censorship laws, meaning people could discuss religion and print freely - This caused more radical protestants to spread their views, sometimes destroying images and altars - The problem with this was, the government stripped themselves of the power to deal with it, leading protestant pamphlets to attack Catholics
When were images removed from the Church and how was this received?
- Removed in February 1548 - This was met with little opposition - perhaps a sign of fear of the government
What change was made to the Treason Act regarding the clergy?
- Only the clergy were allowed to preach and in September, preaching was banned until the new liturgy was released. - This was done as there were too many unauthorised protestant preachers
What was the purpose of Cranmer’s First Book of Common Prayer and when was this released?
- Purpose was to establish a single form for services, translating them into English - December 1548
Name 10 elements of Cranmer’s First Book of Common Prayer.
- Clerical marriage allowed - transubstantiation - Same Holy days - Worship of Saints discouraged - Services in English - Sacraments - Communion in both kinds - Traditional robes in church - purgatory still unclear - No prayers for the dead
What was the problem with the Book of Common Prayer?
- It was a middle point between Catholicism and Protestantism, meaning that neither side was entirely happy
What was the Act of Uniformity and when was this passed?
- This Act made the book of Common Prayer the official liturgy - January 1549
What happened in November 1549 to do with marriage and images?
- All laws against clerical marriage remove - in December, destruction occurred of all the remaining images.
What was the Vagrancy Act and when was it introduced?
- Introduced in 1547 - This was an act which stated that all able bodied people who had been out of work for 3 days were branded with a ‘V’ and were sold into slavery for 2 years - Children of vagrants were taken and put into apprenticeships
What was the effect of these provisions?
- None of the provisions were ever put into effect, but it shows a reaction by the government to alleviate the concerns of the lower class
How did the Vagrancy Act lead the government to be more sympathetic for the lower class?
- The act took them closer to poor-relief provisions, which Elizabeth developed into the ‘Poor laws’ - This also ordered local officials to provide housing and collections for all ‘idle, impotent, mained and aged persons’
What can be said about Somerset’s policy towards enclosure?
- Supportive of anti-enclosure methods
What did Somerset do against enclosure?
- A commission was establish under John Hales in the midlands - In June 1548 - proclamations issued enforcing all statues against enclosure - Passed an act protecting Codyholders on their own land - March 1549 - 5% tax on personal property and a special tax on sheep passed
What effect did the action against enclosure have for Somerset?
- This had large political concequences for Somerset - It raised hopes for an effective government, leading to unrest in the lower classes - Although Somerset established a reputation as being good for the poor, he sent out few commissioners dissapointing many
What economic effects did the Scottish War have?
- Huge military expenditure - Boulogne’s fortification cost £580,393
What policy continued amidst these economic problems?
- Debasement
When was the Western Rebellion?
- June - 16th August
How was religious grievance a cause for the Western Rebellion?
- A list of Articles resolutely demanded the reintroduction of Catholicism - this was to be achieved through reinstatement of Henry VIII’s Act of Six Articles - ordinary people’s experience in the church was changing with the removal of images and new, unfamiliar practices - this may have provoked the widespread response
How were economic factors a cause for the Western Rebellion?
- In early stages complaints about taxes on sheep + cloth generated rumours about other potential taxed animals. - There was a second list of demands - 1st list = complaints against about taxes + food prices, reflected the fears of the crowd - The second list was complied by a small group of clergy, and heavily reflected their theological concerns
What does Historian Anthony Fletcher say about the causes of the Western Rebellion?
- ‘to interpret the rebellion as solely religious would be a vast simplification’.
What were the trigger causes of the Western Rebellion?
- Resentment to William Body, a commissioner investigating church property - He was feared to confiscate church goods - Many images were destroyed the following year, leading a group to set up a murder plot towards Body - This plot was quickly spoiled by Devon Gentlemen, but unrest remained - The final straw was the introduction of the New Prayer Book on 10th June 1549 - This provoked people in the village of Sampford Courterley to rebellion
How did the Western Rebellion take hold?
- Protestors assembled in Bodmin - Came under the leadership of Humphrey Arundell - The crown marched to Devon - In Sampford Courtney, the rebels persuaded the priest to deliver a traditional Catholic Mass - Joined forces will people from Cornwall at Crediton on June 20th
How did the Wester Rebellion grow?
- The gentry quickly lost grip on their counties - Hellier was hacked to pieces - Sir Peter Carew rode to meet the combined force on June 21st - This aggravated the situation and one of his servants set fire to a barn - He fled back to Exeter and then London - The rebel army moved up to the walls of Exeter and then to Clyst St Mary on June 23rd
How did Somerset attempt to contain the Western Rebellion?
- Somerset was acting on limited information or inadequate resources - 29th June, he urged Lord Russel, a Catholic Council member, to find a peaceful settlement - He could only give Russel a small army - Citizens in Exeter defended their town against the rebels for 6 weeks - July 8th, Russel made his last move for peace - July 12th , reinforcements from Lord Grey were delayed after an uprising in Oxfordshire
How did Somerset eventually begin to defeat the Western Rebels?
- July 28th Russel advanced against the rebels, aided by Lord Grey on August 3rd - Confrontation took place at Fenny Bridges, Clyst St Mary and Clyst Heath and the rebels were pushed back each time - Exeter relieved after the arrival on August 6th due to Sir William Herbert - More pressure had been put on Russel as French had declared war August 8th- Defeated by Russel at Sampford Courtenay on August 18th
What was the aftermath of the Western Rebellion?
- There were still pockets of resistance, with an estimated 3000 killed - Welsh was hanged on his own church tower
How were hostilities deepened after the Western Rebellion?
- Forces had acted illegally, such as executing without trial and confiscating and redistributing property
What were the economic causes of the Ketts Rebellion?
- Enclosure was main cause - Significant people carried out enclosure such as John Flowerdew - There was already increasing inflation - There was also the problem of rent-racking, in which landlords increased costs hugely to peasants
What were the religious causes of the Kett’s rebellion?
- Concerns with poor quality priests - However, people still used new Prayer Book
What triggered the Ketts Rebellion?
- Norwich, which was a major city with 16,000 people - It was the centre of the textile industry - despite this, many lived in poverty - One night, at a drunken feast, tensions got too high and people began to break down Flowerdew’s enclosure fences
Who did Flowerdew suggest to attack instead?
- Robert Kett
How did Robert Kett begin to lead the Kett Rebellion?
- Rebels reached Norwich by the 10th July and encamped at Mousehold Heath on the 12th - 16,000 rebels - Sat and waited for response after giving demands - The size and speed shocked authorities - The sheriff was nearly arrested when trying to disperse rebels - The Gentry were powerless
What were the Kett Rebels offered, and how did they take this?
- On July 21st, the York Herald offered a full pardon - He also said they would stop landowners acting as farmers or clothiers, reduce the price of wool by a third and appoint commissioners to reform abuses - Many wanted to accept but Kett rejected it, saying they had committed no crime
How did the Kett Rebellion events turn more violent and threatening?
- An arrest for Kett was ordered but they were forced to retreat - On July 22nd the rebels took cannons from coastal defences - Norwich was taken that evening and the Herald fled to London - Somerset sent a small army of 1,800 under the command of William Parr, Marquis of Northampton - They were ordered to cut off supply lines - Occupied Norwich on July 30th and offered a pardon - Only 20 responded and the rebels retook Norwich - Northampton retreated to London and commissions were issued for militia to be raised around Norfolk
How was the threat of the Western Rebellion tackled?
- Troops were taken from garrisons in Scotland - Northumberland (Earl of Warwick) arrived on August 23rd with a force of 12,000 men - Northumberland’s offer of a pardon was refused and over 3 days, Northumberland’s army tackled rebels - On August 26th, Kett abandoned their position and took up defences at Dussindale - Northumberland gained a further 1,000 mercenaries - 29th of August was carnage and 3000 rebels were slaughtered
What was the aftermath of the Kett Rebellion?
- 26th November -Kett was tried for treason and hung - His body was hung off Norwich Castle for 3 years - Northumberland resisted the blood thirsty impulses of the Norfolk Gentry and ensured the rebels were dealt with strictly and in accordance of the law - However, Somerset was lenient as MacCulloch (The Tudor Rebellions) found evidence of only 4 executions
What evidence is there to suggest that the events of 1549 were a threat?
- 23 counties rebelled - large numbers of supporters - 16,00 - Kett rebellion took a while to defeat and multiple attempts - 3000 executed - Gentry lost control of their counties - Somerset had to recall troops from Scottish border
What evidence is there to suggest the events of 1549 were not a threat?
- Kett rebellion did not spread - Both were supressed - Only Western and Kett led to direct influence from Somerset - Their aim was not to overthrow the King - Not in close proximity to London
What type of power was Somerset given in 1547?
- Quasi-Royal power - This meant that he had the power of the King, without the king’s title
How did Somerset pass laws?
- He passed laws by proclamation rather than going through parliament
How many proclamations did he issue?
- over 70 - this was more than any other Tudor monarch
What happened to the dry stamp upon Henry’s death?
- Henry VIII left the dry stamp to four councillors - Instead of this, Somerset took control of the dry stamp - Somerset also attempted to state that if the King signed a law, it must have Somerset’s signature
What appointments did Lord Somerset give himself?
- Gave himself the title of Duke - Made himself lord protector of Edward until he was 18
What titles did Somerset give to others?
- Appointed men from his own household who were loyal to him, e.g. William Cecil - Gave titles to important men in the privy council to win their support
How did Somerset use the Privy Council?
- Somerset attempted to bypass the Privy Council, instead having political meetings at his own home. - He included members that he knew supported him, therefore alienating other members of court
How did Somerset treat Edward VI?
- Increased strict treatment of Edward - Examples of this include keeping him under close control and reducing his servants - Michael Stanhope took great control over Edward
How did this treatment of Edward affect Somerset?
- Edward complained about Somerset, an example being his pocket money - This meant that when Somerset fell from power in 1549, Edward refused to save him by public supporting him
How did Somerset use Parliament?
- practice of frequent parliaments continued - Parliament passed laws relating to religion - There were parliaments every year of his reign
What role did Edward have in government at this time?
- Very small role - instead, his time was spent being educated
Who was Somerset in relation to Jane Seymour?
- Brother (Edward Seymour)
What happened to Edward Seymour’s younger brother, Thomas Seymour, on his command?
- He was executed
What was Somerset’s role under Henry?
- Lord High Admiral and Lieutenant General of the North
What was Thomas Seymour charged with?
- Treason for plotting against Somerset
Which notable member of the council starts plotting against Somerset?
- Earl of Southampton
What were the errors of Somerset?
- Unrealistic policy aims - Armies were expensive - Mishandled rebellion
What did the Earl of Warwick (John Dudley) become?
- Duke of Northumberland and in charge of the council
Criticisms of Somerset?
- Ruled using the dry stamp and proclamation - Autocratic rule - Relied on the Earl of Warwick to control the unrest of 1549
What was the year 1549 called?
- The year of the many headed monsters
When did the Privy Council elect Somerset as Lord Protector?
- 31s January 1547 (henry died on 27th!) - This directly overruled Henry’s will
Why was Somerset’s privy council criticised?
- He was distant from the council, instead using his own household to conduct business - By alienating the aristocracy, Somerset isolated himself -
How did Somerset lose support?
- He lost the support of the senior aristocracy as a result of his stance with the Privy Council. - He also lost the support of the gentry as a result of his poor handling of the peasant uprisings, which threatened their very livelihood in the regions. - Many gentry were also wary of his religious reforms.
How did Somerset ‘Kidnap the King’?
- October 1549 Somerset and the King move to Hampton Palace. - He orders all loyal subjects to defend the King at Hampton court. -They were joined by poorly armed peasants. - Then moved to Windsor castle (well-fortified) - October 6th-7th 1549 Somerset is accused of kidnapping the King by Conservatives
How was Somerset eventually executed?
- Somerset was brought back to the court by mid 1550 and his daughter marries Northumberland’s son - Somerset continued to plot and Northumberland fabricated details to get him executed in January 1552 - The King issues the execution warrant for his uncle
What do Historians argue is the reason that England became more Protestant in this period?
- Northumberland wanted to keep Edward happy
What was the Treason Act
- It made it an offence to question royal authority or the beliefs of the English Church
Why was the Treason Act reinstated by Northumberland?
- Many radical preachers were spreading beliefs about religion in England - This was a cause for many rebellions - It reinstated law and order
When was the Second Book of Common Prayer introduced?
- 1552
What did the Second Book of Common Prayer do?
- Removed all traces of Catholicism in England
What changes were made in the Second Book of Common Prayer?
- Reduced the significance of the Eucharist (last supper) - Alters were replaced by key communion tables - Transubstantiation replaced by consubstantiation - Banned Vestments
What was the Second Act of Uniformity and when was this passed?
- 1552 - It became an offence for both the clergy and the laity not to attend Church of England services
What was the punishments involved in the Second Act of Uniformity?
- Offenders were fined or imprisoned - No Burnings
What was Church wealth at in 1552?
- £1,087,978
How did Northumberland plan to increase Church Wealth?
- Northumberland realised that bishoprics were worth more than Chantries - They planned to melt the metals previously used in Catholic services - This was halted by Edward’s death
What can be said about the Church of England by 1553?
- It was definitely Protestant
Who influenced the doctrines used in England?
- Calvin and Luther
What was the 42 Articles of Religion?
- A series of doctrines issued by Cranmer
Why was the 42 articles never implemented?
- due to the king’s death
What did Elizabeth revise from the 42 Articles in her reign?
- 39 articles - more balanced
Which areas and types of people favoured Protestantism?
- Protestantism was favoured by many landowners - Enthusiasm for Protestantism was common in London - 20% of people in London were Protestant in 1547
Why can it be suggested that people didn’t truly accept Protestantism?
- In many cases, people accepted Protestantism rather than celebrated it - The reduction of Holy days to 25 reflects this - Many were happy to welcome Catholicism when Mary came to power
What happened to the value of Church goods after 1540 and why?
- Value decreased - People believed that the Crown would just take it
What is another proof that people were less fond of the Church?
- donations in wills dropped from 70% to 30%
What does Historian Christopher Heigh argue to show a decline in fondness of the Church?
- There was a decline in Church attendance in Exeter as well as lack of applicants for roles. - This left them at a manpower shortage
How did Northumberland differ to Somerset in passing laws?
- He learnt from Somerset’s mistakes of becoming alienated at court - He was much less autocratic than Somerset
Who were made Earls in 1550?
- Lord St John - Lord Russel
Who did Northumberland give positions in the household to?
- Men who were loyal to him, so he could control and gain access to the king
Who controlled the dry stamp and Edward’s guards?
- Sir John Gates - He also reported to Northumberland about the King’s comings and goings
What did William Cecil do under Northumberland?
- swapped his loyalty to become loyal to Northumberland - Became Northumberland’s deputy
How did Northumberland use the Privy Council differently to Somerset?
- He extended the importance of the Privy Council - This helped him survive and dominate after the fall of Somerset
What title did Northumberland give himself?
- He gave himself the title of Lord President, rather than Lord Protector - This shows how he was giving Edward more influence
How did Northumberland balance the council in his favour?
- Early 1550 - He started be removing conservatives - He removed both Arundel and Southampton - He then appointed friends with more protestant views, such as Marquis of Dorset and the Bishop of ELy
How did Northumberland use Parliament?
- the practice of calling parliaments frequently continued
For what reasons did Northumberland call parliament mainly?
- Parliament’s role was to pass laws linked to religion
What years did parliament meet?
- Did not meet in 1551 - Met in 1552 and 1553
How did Northumberland differ to Somerset in his treatment of Edward?
- He ensure that Edward was consulted and much more involved in government - The change of his title reflects Edward’s growing power
How old was Edward when Northumberland became Lord President?
37226
What was Edwards role by 1551?
- Attended some Privy Council Meetings - 14
What was Edward’s role by 1552?
- He was attending Privy Council meetings more regularly and was starting to set the agenda - He would take the lead on key issues - 15
What did the Privy Council announce in Spring 1552?
- That Edward would take power at 16 rather than 18
Why did the Council make the decision to change Edward’s age of coming to power?
- He quickly gained key political skills
What was Northumberland still in control of during nearer the time that Edward was to take power?
- foreign policy
What happened in August 1549?
- The French attacked Boulogne
How did the English respond to the attack on Boulogne?
- England won the battle at sea, meaning they kept control of the channel
What led to the Treaty of Boulogne?
- After the August attack, England was left bankrupt and could not send a force to defend their territory - January 1550, Lord Russel and Lord Paget were sent to negotiate, but the French were in a stronger position
What was the Treaty of Ardres after the Third French War?
- Under Henry VIII - Agreed that if the French did not have Boulogne after 8 years, they would pay England 2 million Crowns - Also agreed to stop the ‘rough wooing’
What were the terms of the Treaty of Boulogne?
- England gave up control of Boulogne for 400,000 crowns - Marriage alliance between Edward VI and Elizabeth (daughter of Henry II) - England and France also made a defensive alliance and agreed to remain neutral in continental wars
Why was the Treaty of Boulogne not beneficial to the English?
- The fortress of Boulogne was passed to the French - They paid over 1.5million less crowns than was agreed in the Treaty of Ardres - The King of France no longer had to pay a pension to the King of England
How had the relations with France changed under Northumberland to under Somerset?
- Became more peaceful - However, there was still tension, as England feared a similar attack on Calais as had happened on Boulogne
What happened in Spring 1552 and how did England respond to this?
- War broke out between France and the HRE - England reinforced the garrisons stationed at Calais
How did the relations with Scotland change under Northumberland?
- Hostilities were brought to a close after the Treaty of Boulogne - However, the root of the causes of the conflict still remained and cause antagonism
What did Northumberland do in April 1550 in regard to the Scottish Border policy?
- Made himself General Warden of the North and inspected the Borders in person
What happened in March 1552 in regard to the Scottish border?
- Lengthy negotiations with the French saw the border be restored to the line it had held before Henry VIII’s Scottish campaign
The trade of which material was hugely significant to the English Economy?
- Cloth
How did England’s shift towards Protestantism affect trade with the Netherlands?
- Negatively affected - Charles opposed Protestantism, and therefore was hostile to English Traders
How was Charles V hostile to English trader?
- April 1550 - edict allowing the inquisition to arrest any heretics in the Netherlands (foreigners excluded) - This damaged trade and brought about a disastrous collapse in the Antwerp cloth market
What effects did Charles’ hostility and dislike bring to England?
- Charles considered an invasion of England due to Mary’s poor treatment and the turn towards Protestantism - This led England to place a temporary embargo on cloth trade in the Netherlands
What led to the end of trade embargo?
- Both economic pressures and Charles’ need for support - Trading relations had improved by June 1552
What issues in particular upset Charles V?
- the sharp swing towards Protestantism under Edward - The treatment of Mary - The English Ambassador, Sir Richard Morison, who demanded the right to hold Protestant services at his household
How did Northumberland deal with Charles V?
- Tried to remain as neutral as possible - He refused to be dragged into the Hapsburg-Valois Wars
Why were there less rebellions under Northumberland than Somerset?
- Northumberland had more authority - Northumberland reinstated the Treason Act - He also used trusted nobles and Lord Lieutenants (similar to Henry VII) to keep order around England
Why was population a problem for Somerset?
- The population continued to grow, meaning more pressure was put on food prices and supplies
What trade problems did Northumberland face?
- Cloth Trade embargo - Drop in exports in summer 1551 - This led to unemployment among textile workers in East Anglia and Western England
Why was money a problem for Northumberland?
- After many years of following costly foreign policies, Northumberland had little money - The led him to be forced to rely on European Bankers - Additionally, this meant that he could not have an aggressive foreign policy
Who was William Cecil?
- Secretary of State
Who was Thomas Gresham?
- Member of the Treasury
What were Gresham and Cecil’s new roles?
- They were put in charge of financial planning
What did Cecil and Gresham do to tackle the money problem?
- Sold chantry lands - Attempted to fix debasement - Sold Crown lands - raised Customs and Excise rates
How did Cecil and Gresham attempt to fix the problem of debasement?
- Coinage was called in and re-issued with a similar silver content to 1527
What did Northumberland do with the Sheep Tax?
- Repealed the 1548 act in 1550
What did Northumberland do about enclosure
- He passed more anti-enclosure legislation, despite there being little call for it - He also passed Acts to protect arable farming
What was the new Poor Law of 1552?
- It made parishes responsible for raising money to look after the poor
What did Northumberland do about trade and exploration?
- Northumberland encouraged the expansion of trade routes
How far had English Ships began trading in 1553?
- As far as the Gold Coast in West Africa
What was the problem with English Ships and trade?
- They were not advanced enough to sail to India or China - Northumberland still searched for an East Passage around the North of the American continent
Did Northumberland succeed in this trading adventure?
- Partially - Two ships perished, but Richard Chancellor succeed in reaching the port of Archangel, beginning trade - Trade later grew massively under Mary and Elizabeth
