Factionalism

Question 1

How did Somerset seize power?

Answer 1

• William Paget and Antony Denny made changes to H8’s will & kept his death quite for a few days to consolidate reformist position
• This allowed Somerset to establish himself and exercise virtual royal power
• Conservative members of the regency council were removed (Gardiner) and imprisoned (Norfolk)

Question 2

How did Somerset fall from power?

Answer 2

• Somerset’s personal style of government caused resentment - Thomas Wriothesley was opposed to his religious changes
• Rebellion in the summer of 1549 weakened his hold on power
• Somerset lost the support of the king and he was subsequently removed and arrested

Question 3

How did Northumberland consolidate his power?

Answer 3

• He brought in his own allies and removed political opponents so that he had a Protestant majority on the council
• By January 1550, leading Catholic members of the council (the Earls of Arundale and Southampton) were dismissed & he was made Lord President
• He attempted reconciliation with Somerset - however he continued to plot and was executed in 1552

Question 4

How was council efficiency developed under Mary?

Answer 4

• The establsihment of committees in 1554 which excluded the causual councillors
• The establishment in 1555 of an ‘inner council’
• Philips departure in 1555 + the death of Gardiner allowed Paget to dominate and establish a conciliar form of government

Question 5

How significant was faction under Mary?

Answer 5

• There were clashes between Gardiner and Paget but this did not impact government efficiency
• Disputes over the heresy laws - but most of the time the council was able to put rivalry aside