Edward VI Royal Authority

Question 1

At what age did Edward succeed?

Answer 1

9

Question 2

Why was Edwards inheritance difficult?

Answer 2

Country divided on religious grounds
Crown finances ruined by wars against France and Scotland
Coinage debased to pay for wars- rise in inflation and decline in real incomes
Crown had sold monastic lands to raise money fast

Question 3

What did Henry set up in his will to govern England?

Answer 3

A regency council

Question 4

What did the regency council comprise of?

Answer 4

Sixteen members supported by a further twelve
There were several administrators and lawyers
Great noble families underrepresented

Question 5

Who was the regency council balanced between?

Answer 5

Protestants like hertford and Cranmer and religious conservatives like lord St. John

Question 6

Why did the regency council not last long?

Answer 6

Promptly delegated its power to hertford who was appointed protector

Question 7

What shows that the government was fearful for good order and security?

Answer 7

Archbishop cranmers homily ‘on obedience’ published in 1547
The clergy were required to reinforce to their congregations that obedience to the authority of the king was in accordance with the will of god

Question 8

How did Somerset’s control the privy chamber?

Answer 8

Through the appointment of his supporter sir Michael Stanhope as chief gentleman

Question 9

Why was there fear about the breakdown of law and order?

Answer 9

Members of the privy council felt resentment at the protectorate
No guarantee of public acceptance of Somerset’s protectorate

Question 10

Why was Somerset’s bro Thomas Seymour charged with treason?

Answer 10

Seymour sought to turn Edward against Somerset

Tried to plot with the earl of Southampton against Somerset

Question 11

Why did Somerset develop enemies? Name two

Answer 11

Arrogant and dictatorial manner
Earl of warwick
Southampton

Question 12

Who decided that Somerset’s control should be brought to an end?

Answer 12

Southampton
Lord St. John
Earl of arundel
Warwick

Question 13

When was it decided to end Somerset’s control?

Answer 13

August 1549

Question 14

How did the conspirators strike Somerset?

Answer 14

Initially tried to get support of princess mary
Stand-off between conspirators based in London and Somerset at Hampton court
Somerset and Edward retreated to Windsor
Promised Somerset no treason charges would be pressed against him so he surrendered

Question 15

After the coup against Somerset who was lord president of the council?

Answer 15

Warwick

Question 16

Why was it at first unclear what type of regime Warwick was going to preside over?

Answer 16

Many of his key supporters in the coup had been conservatives

Question 17

What was Warwick’s second coup?

Answer 17

Directed at the conservatives

Question 18

How did Northumberland ensure his control over the court?

Answer 18

Appointed his own hardman sir John gates as vice chamberlain of the household
Gates had possession of the dry stamp with which he could affix the kings signature to documents

Question 19

Who was Northumberland’s key administrator?

Answer 19

William Cecil

Question 20

Why did Somerset attempt a counter coup against Northumberland?

Answer 20

S readmitted to the council
S plotted to recover his old position
His execution saved England from a revival of the chaos that characterised the protectorate (David hoak)

Question 21

How did Northumberland react to Somerset’s coup?

Answer 21

Became less conciliar in his approach to government

Presumed enemies such as paget were removed from the council and sent to the tower