Edward VI and the Succession Issue

Question 1

Succession Act 1544

Answer 1

Edward VI was first in line for the throne, then Mary, then Elizabeth
Yorkist claimants were wiped out by this point
The Howards were excluded since they were Catholic and could possibly influence Edward and reverse the supremacy

Question 2

Edward’s death

Answer 2

Edward became seriously ill in the winter of 1553

Edward was clearly not going to survive

Question 3

Succession problem

Answer 3

Mary was next in line to the throne, but as a woman and a catholic, this was considered a threat, which triggered a succession criss

Question 4

problems with Mary

Answer 4

• woman
• catholic
• not married - no king
• would undo protestant changes of Northumberland
• Northumberland would be in danger of losing his position or worse

Question 5

The Devise

Answer 5

written by Edward, with help from Northumberland to change the succession, bypassing Mary and Elizabeth and putting Lady Jane Grey first in line, and her male heirs

Question 6

Northumberland’s input in the Devise

Answer 6

Edward not actually old enough to legally change the succession
Jane Grey married Northumberland’s son, Guilford Dudley, a number of weeks before Edward died
This would suggest that Northumberland had a say in the Devise, making sure he would keep some power when Ed died

Question 7

Lady Jane Grey as queen

Answer 7

little support for LJGs claim to the throne - only supported by three areas
Mary I was in East Anglia when this happened, and most people backed her as rightful heir
law was more important than religion for most
Northumberland surrendered to Mary as a result
Northumberland was executed, but LJG and Guilford were spared