Edward VI- boy king Flashcards
What issues did Edward face when he came to the throne?
Factions
Leadership in war
Unrest
Image- age of personal monarchy concerns about his image- difficult portray him as powerful and military adept
what were the terms of Henry’s will?
if Edward died without heir be passed to Mary
if she died without heir to Elizabeth
and all Tudor children died then to Frances Grey
at 18 Edward would rule with government
what were the long term problems faced?
population increase of 1% per year
increased from 700,000 pre 1520 to 3 million by 1550
inflation increased price of goods
wages not increased
unemployment caused vagrancy
Somerset’s coup d’etat
changing of will- from regency council to Lord Protector
Somerset’s government and administration
Summoned Parliament November 1547 after established himself- passed Treason Act:
allowed people to discuss religion freely
allowed publication on religious topocs
removed restrictive laws on debate over religion
also repeal of old laws meant county and urban authorities had less power to deal with serious situations- helped create disorder
Somerset- Proclamation Act of 1539
used to control the people
royal proclamations should be obeyed as if acts of Parliament
Henry VIII 6 times a year- Edward 19 a year- 77 Somerset
Somerset Chantries Act
religious reform
after dissolution of monasteries logical close chantries
devise raise money Pay for wars
coinage further debates 1551- silver content reduced 25%
increased inflation of grain prices - discontent among the poor
Somerset- Foreign Policy- Scotland
in henry’s will set aside English claim to Scottish throne
attempt encourage Mary Queen of Scots and Edwards’ marriage
Somerset attempted isolate Scots by negotiating with france for defensive alliance
death of Francis I and accession of Henry II ended this
Henry II renewed Franco-Scottish alliance and June 1547 sent 4000 troops to Scotland- proposed marriage*
September 1547 army and naval invasion of Scotland was launched. Somerset and Dudley led army to Berwick, then advanced towards Edinburgh to confront the Scots.
At Battle of Pinkie the Scots were defeated. Then Somerset able occupy all main border strongholds. Gave England control of the border, but success not as decisive as it appeared because English army was not strong enough to occupy the rest of Scotland
who was Somerset?
Earl of Hertford
French Intervention in Foreign Policy
defeat united Scottish nobles on Scottish royal council asked for help from French- sent army and support
Mary was taken to French court
Because of cost Somerset withdrew northern troops and to guard English chamber
French withdraw from Scotland and to Calais
The Franco-Scottish alliance, England’s weakened military position in France and shortage of money- war could not be won
Why did Somerset fall from power?
war distracted from domestic policies
unable take action to suppress uprising in West Country and East Anglia
showed sympathy for the poor
Privy Council forced supply troops in rebellions
failures of rebellion meant colleagues abandoned him failed prevent anarchy and revolution
Chief rival John Dudley (Duke of Northumberland)- victory at Norfolk detained Somerset in October 1549 was no opposition.
Although released the next year and re-joined Privy Council but within a year was accused of plotting against the government. Executed January 1552
Northumberland’s Coup d’etat
Northumberland has used army to crush revel army in Norfolk and returned to London and used strengths as commander of army to control London
negotiated with Privy Council and showed ability as politician by pretending to be a Catholic sympathiser- support of conservatives and gained control
Named himself Lord President after 1550.
Northumberland’s government and adminstration
saw control of council was key to political power
increase authority by enlarging membership of council to 33
council was made more sufficient by smaller/ inner committee fixed routines so more organised
Northumberland’s revenue and finance
1550 bankrupts- Somerset spent £1,356,000 on war and sold crown lands to value of £800,000. Had to borrow to ensure the £50,000 a year could be spent on royal household
May 1552 coinage reissued silver content of 1527
1553 financial situation stabled
more £140,000 worth of Crown Lands had be sold replace revenue taxed voted unwillingly by Parliament
N- political coolness and skill in resolving a serious financial crisis. Displayed ability to delegate authority and skill in choosing right people (unlike S)
need to limit revenue- In 1552 a commission recommended that to avoid corruption and inefficiency the no. of revenue courts be reduced from 5 to 2: The Exchequer and the Office of Crown lands.
Northumberland’s foreign policy
war was highly unpopular- high taxation and hostility
