The Devise for the Succession In 1553 Flashcards
Third Act of Succession
Edward no heirs ➡️ Mary no heirs ➡️ Elizabeth
Why did Edward not want Mary to come to the throne?
Opposed to Catholicism, and gender
Why was Northumberland opposed to Mary’s ascension?
He was the leading noble under Edward and he was a clear Protestant so he would lose power and influence under Mary
The First Devise
Excluded his half-sisters for illegitimacy (might marry outside kingdom)
Mary’s religion
Crown should pass to ‘LJ male heirs’
Unworkable due to non-existent male heirs
What is the evidence of Edward’s Protestant conviction?
‘‘I am faint; Lord have mercy upon me and take my spirit.’’
What happened in May 1553?
LJG married Northumberland’s son Guildford Dudley. Not heir at the time
When was The Second Devise drawn up?
12th June 1553 Edward visited by Northumberland and a new will was drawn up
What did the Second Devise stipulate?
That the throne would pass to ‘LJG and her male heirs’ as there was no time for her to have children
What were the problems with this will?
As a minor, he could not mkae a will or override a parliamentary statute, ecpecially since the obviously legitimate claim lay with Mary
Who refused to make the Will and why?
Chief Justice Montague for ‘danger of treason’
Why did Montague sign it?
Northumberland’s rage - took his sword ⚔ out of hilter and threatened
When and who signed the will?
21st June
Anyone of importance forced to sign 2nd devise in fornt of dying 👑
Was the Third Act of Succession valid when Edward died?
Yes, it stood in direct opposition to Edward’s wishes
When did Edward die?
6th July 1553
What happened right after Edward’s death?
It was kept secret for 2 days while Northumberland intimidated councillors and Mayor of London into signing
