The Stability of the Monarchy - Edward Flashcards
The Third Succession Act
When was it issued?
What did it entail?
Issued 1543
- -> Confirmed if Edward died without heirs, then the throne should pass to Mary, and if Mary died without heirs, then the throne should pass to Elizabeth
- -> Reversed Earlier Acts that excluded Mary + Elizabeth from the succession, but did not reverse their illegitimacy
Evidence Henry was concerned about political instability on his death
His establishment of a Regency Council, established 1546
Was the Regency Council Balanced?
Henry wanted Balance between
Reformists: led by Seymour (later Duke of Somerset)
Catholics: under Norfolk + Gardiner
BUT: Balance undermined by Paget and Denny (controlled dry stamp) - left plenty of space on kings will, appears details of Council added when King close to death // unable to prevent
How were the reformists able to consolidate power?
1546 - Norfolk arrested, task made easier
Kept Henry’s death quiet for a few days, reformists able to consolidate their position + Somerset able to establish himself
What were the problems of a minor on the throne?
--> Unable to lead troops into battle // other states may look to exploit weaknesses of minor and attack
–> ENG may return to civil war - Edward unable to control factional struggles similar to those of the last years of HVIII
–> In an age of PERSONAL monarchy, concerns about his image - difficult to portray E as a powerful + military adapt
Example of Minor Rules being successful
Henry VI, eight months old when he came to the throne (1422) + although his reign witnesses the Wars of the Roses, ENG was relatively stable during the minority
Who was Somerset?
What was the transference of power to him like?
Edward Seymore, Earl of Hertford -
- -> Successful reputation as a soldier during campaign in Scotland - the rough wooing
- -> Edwards Uncle
Transfer of power to him was smooth because
1) 16 members in regency council // unlikely decisions would have been reached
But some questioned legality - went against Henry’s wishes
When was the device for the succession drawn up?
What reason would the Lord President of the Council, Northumberland, have to be behind the Device for the Succession 1553?
May 1553
Device was essentially to preserve his power
- As a protestant, he would lose power if a Catholic Monarch came to the throne
What evidence is there that the Lord President of the Council, Northumberland, was behind the Device for the Succession 1553?
Married his son , Guildford Dudley to Lady Jane Grey
–> Soon followed by Edward changing his will + naming Lady Jane Grey as heir
HOWEVER: at the time of marriage, May 1553 - heath of king was good, // believed he would live for a very long time
What evidence is there that Edward VI, was behind the Device for the Succession 1553?
- He was playing a greater role in Government, attending Privy Council meeting and setting some agendas
- Edward himself was a committed protestant + would want to stop the throne passing to a Catholic
- Wanted the Religious Reformation Programme he had started to continue
Plot Poorly Managed:
- Northumberland was an experienced solider - would have ensured sufficient forces to take control = BUT professional force dismissed in 1552
- Would have captured Mary before she escaped to East Anglia
- Would have launched a propaganda campaign to prepare the nation for the change in succession
When was the professional force dismissed?
1552
When did Edward die?
How long was his death kept quiet?
6th July 1553
2 Days
How did Mary respond to Edwards death?
Proclaiming herself as queen // behaving as if she considered herself as the rightful + legitimate Queen
- Sent letters to Privy Council + important towns
- Asked Charles V for help
Why was the question of Legitimacy so important to the ruling class?
If they supported an illegal claimant, all laws could be changed + their right to land questioned
// In their interests to support rightful heir
When was Jane proclaimed as Queen?
How long did her rule last?
10th July
9 Days
