Somerset's Method Of Government Flashcards
What had Henry VIII intended to be the method of government in his son’s minority?
A regency council of 16 men (no single regent)
How did Somerset manipulate Henry’s will to put himself in power?
12th march - letters patent were produced giving Somerset quasi-royal power as Lord Protector
Also made himself Duke of Somerset by manipulating the will
Why was there initially little opposition to Somerset’s assumption of power?
Historical precedent dictated that this was fine - 1422 and 1483
What was Somerset’s official title?
Lord Protector of the Realm and Governor of the King’s Person
How did Somerset use his power to appoint/dismiss members of the PC?
Made the conservatives politically weak - e.g. dismissed Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton
Who did Somerset place as the main figure in Edward’s household?
His brother in law, Sir Michael Stanhope
Through what means did Somerset rule?
Dry stamp
Proclamations (77)
Who criticised Somerset for being too autocratic?
Paget
Why was Somerset able to manipulate the will?
His ally, Denny, held the dry stamp
What did Somerset set up?
His own council to rival the regency council - it had 6 members, only one of which was on the RC
Examples of Protestants and Catholics on the Regency Council
Balanced between the religious factions
Prots - Somerset, Archbishop Cranmer, Sir Anthony Denny
Caths - Thomas Wriothesley and the Marquis of Winchester
When did Somerset award himself title of Lord Protector?
4th Feb 1547
