Northumberland (Edward and Crisis of Royal Authority)

Question 1

How did Northumberland’s use of government show he was loyal to Edward?

Answer 1

• He made far less use of proclamations than Somerset and used parliament to confirm legislation
• Created a smaller inner committee to handle daily business in order to make the gov more manageable
• Restored the Privy Council as the centre of governement

Question 2

How did Northumberland’s use of government show he was NOT loyal to Edward?

Answer 2

• Increased the size of the Council to 33 people so that he could bring in his own supporters e.g. Sir John Gates
• Made himself Lord Protector which gave him power to fix agendas, meetings, and bar councillors. He assumed the king’s power to appoint new councillors
• Chose people with military experience so he could rely on military support if needed

Question 3

How did Northumberland’s treatment of Edward show he was loyal?

Answer 3

• By late 1551 Edward had been allowed to start attending Privy Council meetings
• Northumberland decreased the age Edward would come of age from 18 to 16

Question 4

How did Northumberland’s treatment of Edward show he was NOT loyal?

Answer 4

• Edward was still not allowed to be involved in foreign affairs

CONSENUS: May be more due to his age rather than a crisis in royal authority