Edward VI: Stability of the monarch Flashcards
What was Somerset’s approach to the Privy Council?
Avoided them by instead opting to call his personal council named ‘the new council’.
How expensive were Somerset’s conflicts with Scotland?
Between 1547 and 1549 the conflict had cost £580,393.
How much did debasement of the coinage raise?
Debasement of the coinage raised £537,000.
Why was the debasement of the coinage seen as a net negative for England?
Debasement of the coinage heightened inflationary pressures, damaging England’s economy.
Whose advice did Somerset ignore to remint the coinage?
Thomas Smith proposed reminting the coinage.
Whose advice regarding to enclosure did Somerset wrongly adhere to?
Somerset listened to and adopted John Hales’ view on enclosure.
What was the logic behind Hales’ and Somerset’s enclosure policies?
Hales believed that enclosure and greedy landlords were the primary causes of inflation as enclosure for sheep left a shortage of food, which drove up the price. Hales encouraged Somerset to impose a tax of a penny per sheep to make enclosure less profitable.
How successful was Hales’ and Somerset’s enclosure policies?
The enclosure policy was not effective. It was unpopular and did little to reduce inflation.
Outline the Vagrancy Act.
The Vagrancy Act in 1547 which made it so that under law, an able-bodied person out of work for 3 days were to be branded with a V and sold into slavery for 2 years. Further offences were to be punished with permanent slavery. However, these provisions were never put in place or enforced and were likely a quick reaction policy to please higher classes.
Describe Northumberland’s style of government.
Northumberland’s style of government was geared closely towards personal objectives. He quickly secured his position but was keen to avoid the massive concentration of power which had contributed to Somerset’s fall. He consequently titled himself Lord President of the council rather than Lord Protector.
What was Northumberland’s approach to the Privy Council?
Northumberland extended the use and importance of the privy council. He also assumed the King’s power to appoint new councilors.
Outline the ending of the debasement of the coinage under Northumberland.
In April 1551, the debasement of the coinage was ended. But this was far too late for the benefits to be seen in Edwards’ reign.
What happened to the Antwerp Market?
The collapse of the Antwerp Market caused economic problems, particularly for the cloth trade, which left unemployment for people who had worked in that area.
How did Northumberland attempt to restore crown finances?
- He sold crown lands (£100,000) and chantry lands (£110,000).
- He raised £336,000 through selling church lands and securing taxation.
- Thomas Gresham was extremely successful in manipulating the exchange to improve the value of Sterling. He paid back all of the Antwerp debts in 2 years.
- Boulogne was sold to France for £133,333.
What was the role of Thomas Gresham?
Thomas Gresham was extremely successful in manipulating the exchange to improve the value of Sterling. He paid back all of the Antwerp debts in 2 years.
