The problem of Edward VI's age

Question 1

What year and what was the name of the Act that meant if Edward died without heirs then the throne would pass to Mary and if Mary died without heirs would pass to Elizabeth. And reversed the earlier Acts excluding them from the succession

Answer 1

The Third Succession Act 1543

Question 2

When was the Regency Council established

Answer 2

January 1547

Question 3

Definition of the Regency Council

Answer 3

A group of ministers usually of nobles and landed gentry who ruled on behalf of the king until he came of age

Question 4

Who led the Regency council

Answer 4

Duke of Somerset (Edward Seymour)

Question 5

State 4 reasons Edward’s age was a serious threat to the stability of the monarchy

Answer 5

• Unable to lead troops into battle
• Other states might look to exploit the weakness of a minor and attack
• England might return to civil war
• Minor wouldn’t be able to control factional struggles (eg. rebellions and unrest de to aggressive religious reforms)
• Difficult to portray him as powerful
• Somerset’s power went against Henry’s wishes for a Regency council (could encourage others to challenge his dominance)

Question 6

State 3 reasons Edward’s age wasn’t a serious threat to the stability of the monarchy

Answer 6

• Henry had passed the Third Succession Act to secure Edward’s position as King
• There had been previous stability under minors (eg. Henry VIII was 9 but civil war came after he came of age)
• Issues with Somerset arguably due to factional struggle = need for Lord protector didn’t make unrest inevitable