Edward VI: Government under Somerset

Question 1

Who did Somerset appoint to the Privy Council

Answer 1

Somerset appointed his friends, members of his household and close supporters.

This was done at the expense of conservatives e.g. Earl of Southampton

Question 2

What were the complications of Somersets appointments to the Privy Council

Answer 2

Southampton and other privy councillors resented Somerset.

Question 3

Who did Somerset appoint to control the Privy Council

Answer 3

Michael Stanhope as Chief Gentleman. He controlled the Privy Council from within.

Question 4

What factional rivalry occured early on within government

Answer 4

Thomas Seymour, Somersets brother, planned to turn Edward VI against Somerset - bribing him and attempting to get him to make Seymour his ‘Governor’

Somerest brought treason charges against Seymour

Question 5

What was an enabling factor for The earl of Warwick (Northumberland)

Answer 5

The feebleness of Somerset’s government was emphasised in his response to rebellions.

(Failure to stop Kett’s rebellion without foreign mercenaries & the first attempt failed with Northampton)

Question 6

What happened to Somerset

Answer 6

Power was seized by Warwick’s 1549 coup, somerset originally surrendered following the drop of treason charges

Somerset attempted to gain control and was executed.