The Stability of the Monarch: Edward Flashcards
What were the three factors which affected the stability of the monarchy under Edward?
Age, The Devise for the Succession and Faction Under Somerset + Northumberland
How old was Edward when he came to the throne?
9 years old
What were the fears surrounding Edward’s age?
He would be unable to lead troops.
Other states might look to exploit his weakness.
England might return to civil war.
Edward would be unable to control faction.
He would not appear powerful.
What was put into place to avoid disputes about the succession and how was it organised?
The Regency Council
Balanced between Protestants and Catholics.
What was the role of Somerset?
Edward’s uncle and took the position of Lord Protector.
This went against Henry’s wishes but gave the council a head.
When was The Devise for the Succession initially drawn up?
May 1553
Who did Henry’s will and succession acts name as Edward’s heir?
Mary Tudor
Who was the new plot aimed to exclude?
Mary and Elizabeth
Who do many suggest the scheme was down to and why?
Northumberland
It was essential to preserve his power
As a president he would be in a weak position if the Catholic Mary came to the throne?
What made it even more likely that the plot was due to Northumberland?
He arranged the marriage of his son, Guilford Dudley, to Lady Jane Gret.
This was soon followed by a change in Edward’s will to name LJG as his heir.
What is evidence that Edward was the driving force behind the changes?
He was playing a greater role in government, attending PC and setting some agendas.
He was a commiotted Protestant and would have wanted his reformation to continue.
Who did the first Devise for the Succession name?
Male heirs of the Grey family.
How was the Devise altered as Edward’s health began declining rapidly?
LJG herself was named.
What suggests that the plot was Edward’s idea?
It was poorly managed.
Northumberland would have ensured sufficient forces to take control, as an experienced soldier.
He would have ensured that Mary was captured.
He would have launched a propoganda campaign to prepare the nation for the changes.
When did Edward die?
6th July 1553
