Somerset Flashcards
What was parliament like at this time?
Principal of frequent parliaments (established in HVIII) continued under Edward VI
Parliament used to pass religious laws. But was not used to establish/ destroy protectorate/ pass the Act of Succession
How frequent were parliament used over six years?
2 parliaments each year in six years- 1551 was the only year without a session
What did Somerset and Paget get control over when Henry died?
The dry stamp
What was the significance of Somerset gaining power of the dry stamp?
They could alter Henrys will to gain power
What country were England at war with in 1547?
France
Which country did Somerset attack in 1547?
Scotland
What economic impact did the war have on England?
Had to debase the coinage to wage the war, ultimately resulting in inflation
What did the 1540s see a rapid increase of?
Inflation
What caused economic hardship at the beginning of the reign?
Harvest failure, population increase, famine
What was introduced in 1546 but never enforced?
The Vagrancy Act
What did Somerset use instead of Parliament?
Proclamations
What did Somerset ignore which caused much annoyance for Paget?
The Council
What did Somerset blame for his economic woes?
Enclosure
What did Somerset set up to investigate the problems of Enclosure?
Enclosure commissions
How many members were in the regency council?
16 members
What are the key issues about the regency council?
There were opposing groups which caused a lot of disagreements
Edwards was too young to settle the disagreements
Who led the regency council?
The Reformists (leader= Somerset, Paget, Parr, Warwick, Northumberland) The Catholics (leader= Norfolk, Gardiner, Thomas Seymour)
What was Edwards religious stance?
Mildly radical protestant
What are the concerns of having a minor as a leader?
Unable to lead troops into battle
States may exploit weaknesses of a minor by attacking
Potential chance of a civil war
Minor can’t control his faction
Difficult to portray him as a powerful and militarily adept king
Who were the key men under Somerset?
Edward Seymour Thomas Seymour Earl of Warwick Thomas Wriothesley William Parr
What were the positives about Somerset?
Established Courts of Request at his own London house to hear cases of the poor people
Refused to allow torture and burnings
Progressive social policy- fixed rents, abolished enclosure
What were the negatives about Somerset?
He purged those who helped him in the coup
Two faced on religion
Used proclamations over privy council
Better soldier than politician
What were the elites views of Somerset?
The ruling elites were concerned about the disorders within the countryside
People resented his government style- created an anti-somerset faction
How did the Anti-Somerset faction try to remove Edward
Tried to get Mary as regent (unwilling).
Convinced Edward.
Sent Somerset to the tower
Warwick (Duke of Northumberland) became Lord president
