Faction and its impact during the rule of Somerset Flashcards
What did Somerset attempt in 1549?
a coup
What was the impact of the unrest in the countryside?
it was put down but the ruling elite were concerned by the disorder
What were the issues with Somerset’s personal style of government?
it caused resentment (as Paget’s letters reveal)
led to the formation of an anti-Somerset faction
Who were in the anti-Somerset faction?
Warwick, Paget and Wriothesley
had little in common except their dislike of Somerset’s methods and policies
Why was Thomas Wriothesley in the anti-Somerset faction?
he was opposed to the religious changes Somerset had brought in
Why was Warwick in the anti-Somerset faction?
He may have been looking for the opportunity to advance his power
Why was Paget in the anti-Somerset faction?
His views + concerns are demonstrated in his letters to Somerset
What did Paget say in his letter to Somerset?
if he continues to act the way he is acting eg not listening to other councillors + acting as King when he is Lord Protector his position will be in great danger, telling him to change
criticises him “your softness, you wish to be good to the poor”
What provided the anti-Somerset faction with the opportunity to act?
the events of summer 1549
What did Somerset do as his hold on power declined?
retreated to Hampton Court, where on 5th Oct he summoned loyal subjects to defend him + the king
moved to Windsor Castle on 6th Oct, took Edward with him
Edward fell ill + complained of the cold surroundings, claimed he was a prisoner & abandoned Somerset
What did Edward do after claiming he was a prisoner + abandoning Somerset?
Stated that his uncle had threatened riots in the street if he was removed from power
even though Somerset denied this, he could not contradict the King, his fate was sealed, his removal & arrest followed with in a week
Why did the removal of Somerset not guarantee the triumph of Warwick or end the struggle of power?
because the Council contained a majority of religious conservatives who did not trust Warwick
What did Warwick do to the council, following Somerset’s removal?
he brought in his own allies & removed opponents so that he had a Protestant majority on the council
What were there rumours of in early December, and how was this dealt with?
early December, rumours of a Catholic plot to remove Warwick, using the argument that he was a friend of Somerset
Warwick seized opportunity, declared that anyone who attacked Somerset also attacked him
What happened by January 1550 in terms of the Council?
leading Catholic members of the council had been dismissed
Warwick had been made Lord President of the Council
Warwick placed his own supporters in important positions around Edward to further secure his position
