Royal authority under Edward VI (13)

Question 1

How old was Edward when he came to the throne?

Answer 1

9 years old

Question 2

How did Edward have a difficult inheritance? (4)

Answer 2

1) The country was divided on religious grounds
2) Crown finances had been ruined by expensive wars against France and Scotland.
3) To pay for the wars the coinage had been debased, leading to a considerable rise in the rate of inflation and substantial decline in real incomes for many.
4) The Crown had compromised its own long-term security by selling off monastic lands, often at a considerable discount, in order to raise money quickly.

Question 3

What had Henry VIII set up in his will?

Answer 3

He had set up a Regency Council to govern England during Edward’s minority, which comprised 16 members supported by a further 12 who were required to assist as required.

Question 4

What sorts of people were in the Regency Council?

Answer 4

It was balanced between Protestants such as Hertford, Cranmer and Sir Anthony Denny and religious conservatives such as Thomas Wriothesley, now the Earl of Southampton, and lord St John.

Question 5

What was in place to ensure the interests of good government?

Answer 5

There were several administrators and lawyers.

Question 6

How long did the Regency Council last?

Answer 6

Did not last long; it promptly delegated its power to Hertford who was appointed Protector.

Question 7

What was the government fearful for?

Answer 7

Good order and security.

Question 8

What was made very clear to read in parish churches?

Answer 8

The tone of ArchbishopCranmer’s homily on Obedience, published in 1547.

Question 9

What were the clergy in their pulpits required to reinforce?

Answer 9

Reinforce to their congregation that obedience to authority of the king was in accordance with the will of God; disobedience was, therefore, a moral sin.

Question 10

Who did Hertford count on for support?

Answer 10

Archbishop Cranmer, Viscount Lisle and Sir William Paget.

Question 11

What did Somerset reward himself?

Answer 11

Control, governing largely with members of his own household, only one of whom, Sir Thomas Smith, was appointed a member of the Privy Council.

Question 12

How did Somerset reinforce his power?

Answer 12

By controlling the Privy Chamber through the appointment of his supporter, Sir Michael Stanhope, as Chief Gentlemen.

Question 13

What could there be no guarantee of?

Answer 13

Public acceptance of Somerset’s protectorate.

Question 14

Who was Thomas Seymour?

Answer 14

Somerset’s brother.

Question 15

What did Thomas Seymour do? (2)

Answer 15

1) Tried to turn Edward VI against his brother, the Protector.
2) He tried to plot with the Earl of Southhampton against Somerset.

Question 16

What did Somerset bring on Seymour?

Answer 16

Treason charges against Seymour.

Question 17

Give two example where there was a problem with Somerset’s policy failings?

Answer 17

1) His foreign policy approach with Scotland

2) He mishandled the rebellions that broke out in 1549.

Question 18

What was Somerset’s reputation like?

Answer 18

He was arrogant and dictatorial which created enemies, especially Southampton who resented his earlier imprisonment.

Question 19

How did Somerset lose support?

Answer 19

Through his style of government and his policy failures combined weakened him in the minds of those who had originally supported him.

Question 20

Who was Somerset’s most important enemy and when did he strike?

Answer 20

The Earl of Warwick, the apparent feebleness of Somerset’s response to the rebellions of 1549 gave Warwick the opportunity to strike.

Question 21

Who believed Somerset’s control should be brought to an end? (4)

Answer 21

1) Earl of Warwick
2) Earl of Southampton
3) Earl of Arundel
4) Lord St John

Question 22

Describe the stand-off at Hampton court?

Answer 22

There was a stand off between the conspirators, based in London, and Somerset who was at Hampton Court by who crucially still had control over the king. Somerset and Edward retreated to Windsor but, having been promised no treason charges would be pressed against him he surrendered.

Question 23

After Somerset surrendered who became Lord President of the Council?

Answer 23

The Earl of Warwick

Question 24

What had Warwick always intended with his second coup?

Answer 24

To have unlimited power.

Question 25

What was Warwick promoted to?

Answer 25

The Duke of Northumberland.

Question 26

How did Northumberland/Warwick ensure his control over the court?

Answer 26

Already Lord Chamberlain, he appointed his own hardman, Sir John Gates, as Vice-Chamberlain of the household.

Question 27

What was northumberland like at operating government?

Answer 27

He operated an effective government through the Privy Council, although his task in this respect was undoubtably made easier by the expulsion of the Earl of Southampton.

Question 28

What was Paget’s role in the government wit Northumberland?

Answer 28

He had drawn up a set of guide lines for the more effective operation of the Privy Council, some of which Northumberland instituted, although Paget was to find himself excluded from the decision-making process.

Question 29

What did Somerset try to do once he was readmitted to the Council?

Answer 29

He plotted to recover his old position but was outwitted by Northumberland. Somerset was executed.

Question 30

Who was a presumed enemy and therefore removed from the Council?

Answer 30

Paget and he was sent to the Tower.

Question 31

Where did the power among the government lie?

Answer 31

In the hands of Northumberland and his henchmen Gates.