Edward VI: Government under Somerset

Question 1

Who did Somerset appoint to the Privy Council?

Answer 1

Somerset appointed his friends, members of his household and close supporters.
This was done at the expense of conservatives e.g. Earl of Southampton.

Question 2

What were the complications of Somerset’s appointments to the Privy Council?

Answer 2

Southampton and other privy councillors resented Somerset.

Question 3

Who did Somerset appoint to control the Privy Council?

Answer 3

Michael Stanhope as Chief Gentleman. He controlled the Privy Council from within.

Question 4

What factional rivalry occurred early on within government?

Answer 4

Thomas Seymour, Somerset’s brother, planned to turn Edward VI against Somerset - bribing him and attempting to get him to make Seymour his ‘Governor’.
Somerset brought treason charges against Seymour.

Question 5

What was an enabling factor for The Earl of Warwick (Northumberland)?

Answer 5

The feebleness of Somerset’s government was emphasised in his response to rebellions.
(Failure to stop Kett’s rebellion without foreign mercenaries & the first attempt failed with Northampton.)

Question 6

What happened to Somerset?

Answer 6

Power was seized by Warwick’s 1549 coup, Somerset originally surrendered following the drop of treason charges.
Somerset attempted to gain control and was executed.