Edward VI

Question 1

Who was the Protector and why?

Answer 1

• Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset
• Edward VI was too young to rule in his own right

Question 2

How old was Edward when he bacame King?

Answer 2

9 so he couldn’t exercise authority himself

Question 3

Why was the Regency Council set up by HVIII in his will?
Who was in it?
How were decisions made?

Answer 3

• To govern England during Edward’s minority.
• It was made up of 16 members, with support of 12 more. Balanced between Protestants and religious Conservatives
• Decisions were made by the majority

Question 4

What happened to the Regency Council?

Answer 4

• It didn’t last long
• Its power went to Hertford/Somerset, a Protestant who was appointed Protector

Question 5

What was Edward’s inheritance from HVIII?

Answer 5

• The country was divided on religious grounds
• Crown finances were ruined by War
• The coinage had been debased to pay for wars which led to inflation
• The Crown lost security by selling off monastic lands in order to raise money quickly

Question 6

What was Government’s major concern?
How was this shown?

Answer 6

• They were fearful for good order and security
• Cranmer’s homily on Obedience showed this through his tone
• Clergy were required to state that disobedience was a mortal sin

Question 7

What did Somerset do to reinforce power?

Answer 7

• He rewarded his supporters with promotions
• He granted Crown lands
• He was governing with members of his own household
• He controlled the Privy Chamber through appointing Stanhope as Chief Gentleman