AS FP1 : Edward VI, Foreign Policy under Somerset

Question 1

Conceptual Awareness

What type of foreign policy had Somerset inherited?

Answer 1

In 1547 Somerset inherited a potentially ruinous foreign policy from Henry VIII. As a result of Henry’s will, Somerset was bound to persue marriage between Edward VI and Mary Queen of Scots.

Question 2

Describe the events of Somerset’s invasion of Scotland.

Answer 2

Somerset invaded Scotland, defeating them at the Battle of Pinkie, on September 10th 1547. This gave Somerset control of the border regions but success was limited by the French continuing to supply the Scottish with troops (c4000).
Mary Queen of Scots was sent to France for protection, with a prospective marriage between she and Francis II in 1548.

Question 3

What were the consequences of Somerset’s Foreign Policy?

Answer 3

As a result of Somerset’s foreign policy, which had cost £600,000, links between France and Scotland had been cemented. The next year, Somerset was forced to withdraw troops due to rebellions in the South.
- Engaged in a military strategy that proved unaffordable at a time of financial pressure.
- Failed his political mission of securing a marriage between Mary and Edward.
- Deteriorating relationship with France lead to the prospect of invasion in 1549, at precisely the moment England was most vulnerable ; leading to resentment of the Privy Councillors towards his autocratic style of government.