At what age did Edward succeed?
9
Why was Edwards inheritance difficult?
Country divided on religious grounds
Crown finances ruined by wars against France and Scotland
Coinage debased to pay for wars- rise in inflation and decline in real incomes
Crown had sold monastic lands to raise money fast
What did Henry set up in his will to govern England?
A regency council
What did the regency council comprise of?
Sixteen members supported by a further twelve
There were several administrators and lawyers
Great noble families underrepresented
Who was the regency council balanced between?
Protestants like hertford and Cranmer and religious conservatives like lord St. John
Why did the regency council not last long?
Promptly delegated its power to hertford who was appointed protector
What shows that the government was fearful for good order and security?
Archbishop cranmers homily ‘on obedience’ published in 1547
The clergy were required to reinforce to their congregations that obedience to the authority of the king was in accordance with the will of god
How did Somerset’s control the privy chamber?
Through the appointment of his supporter sir Michael Stanhope as chief gentleman
Why was there fear about the breakdown of law and order?
Members of the privy council felt resentment at the protectorate
No guarantee of public acceptance of Somerset’s protectorate
Why was Somerset’s bro Thomas Seymour charged with treason?
Seymour sought to turn Edward against Somerset
Tried to plot with the earl of Southampton against Somerset
Why did Somerset develop enemies? Name two
Arrogant and dictatorial manner
Earl of warwick
Southampton
Who decided that Somerset’s control should be brought to an end?
Southampton
Lord St. John
Earl of arundel
Warwick
When was it decided to end Somerset’s control?
August 1549
How did the conspirators strike Somerset?
Initially tried to get support of princess mary
Stand-off between conspirators based in London and Somerset at Hampton court
Somerset and Edward retreated to Windsor
Promised Somerset no treason charges would be pressed against him so he surrendered
After the coup against Somerset who was lord president of the council?
Warwick
Why was it at first unclear what type of regime Warwick was going to preside over?
Many of his key supporters in the coup had been conservatives
What was Warwick’s second coup?
Directed at the conservatives
How did Northumberland ensure his control over the court?
Appointed his own hardman sir John gates as vice chamberlain of the household
Gates had possession of the dry stamp with which he could affix the kings signature to documents
Who was Northumberland’s key administrator?
William Cecil
Why did Somerset attempt a counter coup against Northumberland?
S readmitted to the council
S plotted to recover his old position
His execution saved England from a revival of the chaos that characterised the protectorate (David hoak)
How did Northumberland react to Somerset’s coup?
Became less conciliar in his approach to government
Presumed enemies such as paget were removed from the council and sent to the tower
