The start - Duke of Somerset Flashcards
What other two names does the Duke of Somerset have?
Edward Seymour and the Earl of Hertford
What relation was Somerset to Edward VI?
Uncle
What negative things did Somerset inherit?
- a country divided on religious grounds
- poor finances as a result of expensive wars against France and Scotland
- to pay for these wars the coinage had been debased, leading to a rise in inflation
- Crown had compromised long-term security by selling off monastic lands
What had Henry VIII set up in his will?
Regency Council to govern England during Edward’s minority
How many members were in the Regency Council?
16
Was the Regency Council religiously balanced?
Yes. There were Protestants (Somerset, Cranmer) as well as Conservatives (Earl of Southhampton)
Why didn’t the Regency Council last long?
Somerset was appointed as Protector
What evidence suggests that the government was fearful for good order?
Archbishop Cranmer’s “Homily on Obedience” in 1547
- obedience to the authority of the King was in accordance with the will of God (disobedience was a mortal sin)
How did Somerset reinforce his control over the Privy Chamber?
Appointed his supporter, Sir Michael Stanhope as Chief Gentleman
How did the Privy Council feel towards the Protectorate?
Resentment, within a few weeks one of them, the Earl of Southhampton had been arrested
Example of a factional rivalry under Somerset’s regime?
Thomas Seymour (his brother) sought to turn Edward VI against Somerset and also tried to plot with the Earl of Southhampton against him. Somerset had little choice but to convict Thomas Seymour of treason.
What were the two main policy failings under Somerset?
- Foreign policy with Scotland
2. Failure to deal effectively with 1549 rebellions
Who was Somerset’s biggest enemy?
Earl of Warwick (Duke of Northumberland)
When did Northumberland plan to take power and why?
In 1549 because Somerset’s feeble response to the 1549 rebellions made him weaker
Explain how Northumberland took power from Somerset in 1549
Initially tried to secure support of Mary but she refused. In October there was a stand-off between the conspirators and Somerset. In the end, Somerset, having been promised that no treason charges would be pressed against him, surrendered.
