Stability of the Monarchy 1547-1558 Flashcards
E6’s early life
Only 9 yrs in 1547. H8’s Third Succession Act in 1543 and Will in 1547 confirmed line of succession, now including M1 and Liz. Regency Council of 16 members, meant to be half reformist, half Tory, but was dominated by reformists. Clauses added to will that made Ed Seymour Lord Protector Somerset + allowed reformists to reward themselves, Earl of Hertford to Duke of Somerset, Viscount Lisle to Earl of Warwick.
Problems of Minor Rule
Previous minors, e.g. Henry III, Richard II, Henry VI, Edward V, had troublesome reigns. Couldn’t lead country into battle. Exploited by foreigners. Couldn’t manage factionalism.
Somerset
Somerset’s assumption as Lord Protector was natural - king’s uncle, good rep as soldier, e.g. Scottish wars. Smooth transition as Somerset kept H8’s death quiet until he had possession of E6. Ordered execution of Thomas Seymour, his own brother, to maintain power. 1549: Anti-Somerset faction, consisting of Dudley (who wanted more power), Paget (Somerset didn’t listen to his advice), Wriothesley (religious reasons - Tory). Kett + Western rebellions provide opportunity for Anti-Somerset faction to gain control + Somerset retreats to Windsor Castle with E6. E6 abandons Somerset + he’s arrested.
Northumberland
Lord President of Privy Council. Sides with Tories to gain their support but removes them once he’s in power in Jan 1550 by allying with radical Prots, which influences reforms. Attempted to reconcile Somerset through marriage of his heir to Somerset’s daughter, but Somerset plotted against JD and was executed on 22 Jan 1552.
E6’s demise
1553: E6’s health deteriorates + Guildford is married to LJG, who is then named heir to throne through changes in Devise for Succession. Line of H8’s older sister, Margaret, leads to MQOS, so it has to be LJG through younger sister Mary. E6 dies: 6 July 1553, but death kept quiet for two days whilst prominent men in London were forced to sign the Devise. 10 July 1553: LJG proclaimed Queen. M1 escaped to East Anglia + proclaims herself Queen with Letters of Summons, nobility support her as rightful heir + to avoid civil war. JD loses support of Privy Council + army deserts him, M1 enters London triumphantly.
Problems of Female Rule
Releases Gardiner + Norfolk from prison. Shows leniency, e.g. Paget joins Privy Council. 22 Aug 1553: JD executed after renouncing Protestantism, Guildford + LJG executed after Wyatt’s revolt. Salic Law states that a woman can’t inherit throne + previous Queen (Matilda) wasn’t supported. Female would be open to factionalism + foreigners + can’t lead troops to battle. 1558: John Knox, Prot Calvinist, attacks female rulers (M1 or MQOS?). Also, question of who to marry.
Marriage
Ed Courtenay vs Philip of Spain, who she marries as she wants close links with Catholic major power. Marriage Treaty approved in Jan 1554, without consulting Parliament. Leads to Wyatt revolt.
Government
Faction unrest: Between Gardiner, Lord Chancellor till death in 1555, and Paget, Keeper of Privy Seal. Efficiency increased with Inner Circle, Gardiner’s death + Philip’s departure allowed Paget to dominate. 1558: M1 introduces revised Book of Rates.
