The Fall Of Somerset 1549

Question 1

Why were people opposed to Somerset? (5)

Answer 1

• poor leadership, favouritism and faction
• foreign policy
• economic and social issues
• religious policy
• rebellions

Question 2

Poor leadership, favouritism and faction

Answer 2

• often bypasses parliament
• lots of repotism as he favoured individuals at court
• alienated many people through high-handed management
• illegally became protect he was able to be challenged

Question 3

Foreign policy

Answer 3

• although he won battle of pinky he failed to secure battle of Scot’s - strains Scottish alliance
• marriage alliance Edward and Mary failed to
• declaration of war by France in august 1549
• vast expenditure (200k per annum)

Question 4

Economic and social issues

Answer 4

Enclosure
- frustrated land owners

Increased population
- more to feed = inflation
- Henry wars left crown in need of finance = taxation and continued debasement

Lack of money meant difficult to raise a new mercenary army

Question 5

Religious policy

Answer 5

• Protestant immigrants demands clashed with those of the local community - who fled persecution due to HVIII death
• treason act
• Somerset disappointment for those who wanted religious reform
• 1549 prayer book (too Protestant direction)

Question 6

Rebellions

Answer 6

Ketts rebellion 1549
- in Norfolk
- social rebellion on enclosure, Somerset says support but does nothing

Western rebellion 1549
- over religious reform

Question 7

Which factor was most critical in somersets fall from power ?

Answer 7

He inherited a challenging legacy of religious, economic and foreign affairs and his fall could therefore be seen as inevitable.
He mishandled affairs and failed to govern effectively.
These mistakes led to rebellions - which Somerset did not deal with effectively.