Edward VI Flashcards
(112 cards)
Who was the reigns of government initially seized by ?
his uncle Duke of Somerset
Why did E6 have a difficult accession?
- country divided religiously
- crown finances ruined by French and Scotland wars
- to pay for wars coinage was debased - rise in inflation and decline in real incomes
- crown had compromised security by selling monastic lands to raise money quickly
What did it state in H8’s will ?
he set up a regency council with 16 members in, supported by a further 12,
What was the purpose of the regency council ?
assist as required
Who made up the regency council ?
balance of protestants and religious conservative
also several administrators and lawyers
Who was under-represented in the regency council ?
nobel families
What happened after the regency council ?
it did not last long and Somerset who was Hertford at the time was appointed Protector.
What proved government was fearful for good order/security at this time ?
Archbishop Cranmer’s homily ( published reader/sermon ) ‘on obedience’ published in 1547
Who did Hertford (Somerset) rely on the support of ?
- Archbishop Cranmer
- Viscount Lisle ( Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland )
- Sir William Paget
What did Hertford reward himself and supporters with ?
- promotions
- substantial grants of crown lands
for example he promoted himself to Earl of Somerset
How did Somerset reinforce his power ?
by controlling the privy chamber by appointing his supporter Sir Micheal Stanhope as Chief Gentleman
What was a problem quickly during Somerset’s regime ?
factional rivalries
What was the first plot against Somerset ?
his brother Thomas Seymour tried to turn E6 against his brother
he also tried to plot with the Earl of Southampton against him
How did Somerset react to Thomas Seymour and Southampton’s plotting ?
he brought treason charges against Seymour.
Southampton denounced Seymour and was readmitted to the council
What were factional problems reinforced by ?
policy failings
How was Somerset’s approach to foreign policy unsuccessful and ineffective ?
- in regards to Scotland
- in dealing with 1549 rebellions
What did his policy failing and style of gov do ?
weakened him in the minds of many who previously supported him
What situation gave the Earl of Warwick the opportunity to strike ?
feebleness of S’s response to rebellion of 1549
What happened in Aug-Oct 1549 that ended Somersets regime ?
Warwick and Southampton with another two conservative noblemen decided his rule should be brought to an end
initially tried to secure support of Princess Mary - she steered clear
In Oct 1549 there was a stand between conspirators , based in London, and Somerset at Hampton Court ( who still had control over king)
S and E6 retreated to Windsor
Somerset arrested on orders of the Regency council. He surrendered promised he would face no treason charges - he was promptly committed to the tower
What was the result of coup against Somerset ?
Warwick first among equals despite not re-establishing a protectorate
What was Warwick after the coup?
Lord President of the Council
What was unclear about Warwick’s regime ?
what kind it was going to be
conservative supported of the coup wished for a regency led by Princess Mary
How was the nature of Warwicks regime made clear ?
his second coup
Did Warwick always intend a second coup or not ?
- yes - so he could exercise ultimate power
- no - just done because he feared he might be ejected by the conservatives