Edward VI - Somerset Flashcards
What was the nature of the Prayer Book of 1549?
It seemed acceptable to Catholics like Gardiner but did not satisfy radical Protestants. Priests were allowed to marry, and chantries were abolished.
What did Somerset realize about radical religious change?
He realized that more radical religious change might lead to rebellion and instability.
What was the opposition to religious changes in Devon and Cornwall?
Religious changes led to only limited opposition, exemplified by the Western Rebellion of 1549.
What action did Somerset take against his brother Thomas Seymour?
He was prepared to execute Thomas Seymour, who seemed to entertain hopes of taking power and marrying Princess Elizabeth.
How was Somerset’s governance perceived?
Somerset generally lacked the ability to govern well.
What was the outcome of Somerset’s foreign policy?
It was pretty disastrous; he defeated the Scots at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547 but faced costly failures in converting Scots to Protestantism.
What was the financial cost of Somerset’s military actions?
The attempts to convert Scots to Protestantism via expensive garrisons and English Bibles cost around £600,000.
What conflict arose from Somerset’s attack on Scotland?
The attack provoked war with France, Scotland’s ally.
How did Somerset rule in relation to his Councillors?
He ruled autocratically without reference to his fellow Councillors.
How were many changes implemented during Somerset’s rule?
Many changes were brought in by Proclamations rather than Acts of Parliament.
What personal gain did Somerset achieve from the dissolution of the chantries?
He awarded himself a dukedom.
What was Somerset’s ability under Henry VIII?
He had not shown great ability under Henry VIII but used his position as the King’s brother-in-law to advance his fortunes.
How did Somerset subvert Henry VIII’s will?
He subverted Henry VIII’s will, which had named a balanced Council to rule in Edward’s name until he came of age, making his authority appear illegitimate.
What was Somerset’s stance towards the poor?
He appeared to be sympathetic to the poor and possibly encouraged Kett’s Rebellion against enclosures and other disturbances in 1549.
How was Somerset viewed in terms of his religious reforms?
Despite his religious reforms, he was not seen as a true Protestant and was motivated more by political and personal advantage.
What financial issues did Somerset face?
He spent too much money, leading to large debts for the Crown, which would be difficult to pay off.
What were the financial expenditures during Somerset’s rule?
He spent around £580,000 on warfare from 1547-1549, plus £30,000 a year for maintaining Boulogne and the English navy.
How did Somerset affect the Crown’s revenue?
He diverted some £20,000 of the Crown’s annual revenue into private hands.
What were all Churches required to have?
Copies of Erasmus’ paraphrases on the Gospels.
What were clergy encouraged to use as a basis for sermons?
Cranmer’s Book of Homilies.
What did the Act of Revilers 1547 allow laity to receive during Mass?
Wine as well as bread.
What significant action was taken regarding Chantries?
Destruction of Chantries.
What was repealed that was established in 1539?
The Act of Six Articles.
Who authorized attacks on ceremonies, images, and superstition?
The Privy Council.
What was introduced in 1549?
The First Edwardian Prayer Book.
