Edward VI's Reign 1547-53

Question 0

Who did Somerset rely upon?

Answer 0

Brother Thomas, Archbishop Cranmer, Viscount Lisle, Queen Catherine Parr’s brother, Sir William Paget and even the Earl of Arundel.

Question 1

Edward’s age at succession and who became protectorate

Answer 1

He was age nine and it was his uncle Edward Seymour, subsequently known as Somerset

Question 2

What did Archbishop formulate and why?

Answer 2

Homily on Obedience, stressing the need to obey lawfully constituted authority as many people thought that there would be a breakdown of law and order

Question 3

Who was there factional rivalry with Somerset?

Answer 3

The first victim was Somerset’s brother, Thomas Seymour, he was not satisfied by the peerage and membership, mainly angered at being left out of regency council. He tried to plot with Earl of Southampton, Somerset charged him with treason.

Question 4

What were Somerset’s aims in regards to uniting crowns of England and Scotland?

Answer 4

Determined to restore the ancient claim of suzerainty over Scottish throne, to enforce the marriage between Edward VI and the infant Mary Queen of Scots.

Question 5

What were his failings with foreign policy?

Answer 5

In battle, in was expensive to maintain the forts, as he wanted to defeat them into submission. France were also supporting Scots, and they enabled Edinburgh.

Question 6

What did Somerset do when France took Edinburgh?

Answer 6

Took part in military strategy that was really expensive, he paid by debasing the coinage, raised £537,000 but this heightened inflationary pressures. Members of privy council also begin to resent

Question 7

What was a success with regards to foreign policy?

Answer 7

He defeated the Scots at Battle of Pinkie in September 1547.

Question 8

What was religion like under Somerset?

Answer 8

Considerable move into Protestantism and supported radicals such as John Hooper. A much radical approach even though public opinion showed reluctance, this created sustained attack in London.

Question 9

What happened in February 1547?

Answer 9

Denunciation of images in London

Question 10

What happened in July 1547 and what were visitations?

Answer 10

Injunctions were issued by Supreme Head of Church, Edward VI, forbidding burning of lights, stained glass, bell ringing and traditional practices. Visitations were inspections to check parish churches

Question 11

What happened in December 1547?

Answer 11

Dissolution of chantries, this led to the Crown having more money to lay for their expensive foreign policy

Question 12

What was the Book of Common Prayer, when, who?

Answer 12

Written in 1549 by Archbishop Cranmer, as there was a need for uniform approach to religious services.

Question 13

What did they maintain in church services and what was changed?

Answer 13

Reformers were introducing services in English even before receiving authority, however, the prayer book was moderate and old vestments and old ceremony was maintained. Government feared rebellion.

Question 14

What did John Guy say about the rebellions of 1549?

Answer 14

The closest thing Tudor England came to a class war.

Question 15

What was the Western Rebellion?

Answer 15

Also known as prayer book rebellion, they wanted reversal of whole religious reform. Taxation was also a grievance and failure of enclosures.

Question 16

What was the Kett’s rebellion?

Answer 16

Led by Robert Kett, there was little religious grievances, however, similarly both rebellions shared sense of class antagonism (andy wood). There was hatred of local officials resentment for abuse from landowners, and wanted no enclosure.

Question 17

What was the fall of Somerset?

Answer 17

His style of government and policy failings led to many enemies and weakened him in the minds of those who did support him. Together they decided to bring Somerset’s protectorate to an end

Question 18

What were Northumberland’s two instant improvements and what did historians think of him?

Answer 18

He gave Edward VI much more security in the decision making process and achieved stability in national finances. He received criticism from historians as ‘bad duke’

Question 19

What were the religious changes under Northumberland?

Answer 19

Only appointed devoted known Protestants and radical supporters to government. Removal of altars replaced by communion tables. Passed a new act of uniformity in 1552 and revised Book of Common Prayer.

Question 20

What did Susan brigden say about religious change?

Answer 20

Suggested that around 20% of Londoners were Protestant by 1547, 80% were not.

Question 21

What did Haigh say about religion at parish level?

Answer 21

Services became plain, ales were suppressed, guilds and special funds were abolished, so churches attracted less affection.

Question 22

What was the succession crisis?

Answer 22

Edward VI was taken ill in Feb 1553, many thought he was dying. Northumberland feared Mary coming to the throne, as Catholicism would be restored.

Question 23

What was the Devise and why did it fail?

Answer 23

Mary and Elizabeth were declared illegitimate and Lady Jane Grey was named successor. However, Edward died before Parliament could be summoned for approval. It was patently illegal.