ED: SOMERSET Flashcards
What were the final terms of the succession in Henry’s will in 1546?
- In the event of Edward dying without heirs, Mary would take the throne.
- Mary dies without heirs, Elizabeth succeeds.
- If all Henry’s children were to pass, Lady Jane Grey would succeed.
What ensured a smooth succession?
Edward’s coronation took place only a short few days after Henry’s death. (20th February 1547)
What arrangements had Henry made for Edwards council?
A regency council of 16 men.
Edward would take charge of government at 18.
When did Edward begin attending Privy Council meetings?
In March 1551, aged thirteen.
What was Edward’s most significant act of kingship?
The ‘devise for the succession’.
What was Somerset’s first coup d’éat?
Edward Seymour (Somerset) and Sir William Paget, secretly agreed that regardless of Henry’s wish for a regency council, Seymour would take power.
What was the structure of Somerset’s government?
Not markedly different from the council of Henry VIII.
The Privy Council was made up of men who had risen to power under Henry.
What was the real difference between Edward’s council and Henry’s council?
Existing problems had grown worse. Economic and financial expeditions and a half-hearted religious reform policy created only confusion.
What were the short-term problems inherited from Henry VIII’s reign?
- Whether or not to continue wars with Scotland and France.
- Question of religious reform.
- Finding ways of raising more revenue.
What was the main long-term problem inherited by Henry VIII’s reign?
Increasing population, main cause of inflation.
Also threatened living standards.
Causing more poverty and more vagrants.
How much did the population grow?
2.3 million in 1520 to 3 million by 1550.
What did Somerset have to do about religion?
Had to take action of religious reform if he was not to lose the support of the Protestant activists.
What act was passed in November 1547?
Treason Act. Repealed the old heresy, treason and censorship rules. Allowing people to speak freely about religion.
What act from Henry VIII’s reign did Somerset repeal?
The Proclamation Act of 1539, which stated that royal proclamations should be obeyed as if they are acts of Parliament.
What other act was passed in 1547 beside the Treason Act? What did it do?
The Chantries Act. Logical step to close the chantries after the dissolution of the monasteries. Helped pay for war.
