Fall of Somerset/Rise of Northumberland Flashcards
Why did Somerset fall from power?
Poor leadership (too autocratic)
Rebellions (17 in 1549, 2 serious)
Foreign policy (expensive, Som proved to be a weak commander)
Personal extravagance (Somerset House - 1547 cost £10,000)
Poor social/economic policy
Religious issues
Why were many councillors angry at Somerset?
Resented his assumption of the title of Lord Protector and were angry that they hadn’t been consulted about the religious changes (Henry’s will had stated that there were to be no religious changes until Edward was of age)
How did Edward summarise the charges against Somerset in his Chronicle?
Somerset was guilty of ‘ambition, vainglory, entering into rash wars in mine youth, enriching himself of my treasure and doing all by his own authority’
What happened on the 5th October?
Somerset ordered all loyal nobility and subjects to rally around him at Hampton Court Palace
18 councillors issued counter-proclamations refusing to support Somerset (e.g. Earls of Arundel and Somerset)
What was the nail in Somerset’s coffin?
He lost the support of Edward, who demanded to return to London.
What happened on the 14th October?
Somerset was imprisoned in the Tower of London and the post of Protector was abolished
Mary refused the offer to become regent
How did Northumberland emerge victorious in the power struggle?
Took advantage of the factional fighting - bribed Russell and St John (moderate Catholics) to turn against Wriothesley and Arundel
October - December 1549, he focused on winning over allies and creating a Protestant majority on the Council
When did Northumberland assume control of the Council?
January 1550
What title did Northumberland give himself?
Lord President of the Council Great Steward of the King’s Household (NOT Lord Protector)
When and why is Somerset executed?
Executed in January 1552 for engaging in plots against Northumberland (had previously been welcomed back to court)
What change did Northumberland bring about with Council meetings?
Introduced Edward to the meetings to give the image that he was working WITH him, not above him as Somerset had
