Chapter 13- Edward VI, Somerset and Northumberland
What did Edward inherit when he ascended the throne?
- a country divided on religious grounds
-crown finances ruined by expensive wars against France and Scotland
-rising rates of inflation and a substantial decline in the real incomes of many due to the
debasement of the coinage
-compromised long-term security by selling monastic lands
What was the Regency Council?
The body set up under the terms of Henry VIII's will to exercise power during the minority reign
of Edward VI. It was soon set aside by the personal rule of Somerset's protectorate
-it comprised of 16 members and a further 12
-balanced between protestants and conservatives
What evidence suggests the government was fearful for good order and security?
-Cranmer's homily (published reading) on obedience was read in parish churches
-clergy were required to reinforce that obedience to the authority of the king was in accordance
with the will of god; disobedience was therefore a mortal sin
How did Somerset reinforce his power?
-Controlled the Privy Chamber through the appointment of his supporter, Sir Michael Stanhope,
as Chief Gentleman.
-Appointed members of his household in the privy council EG Sir Thomas Smith
Why was there little support for Somerset?
-members of the privy council resented his self-awarding control
-his failed approach to foreign policy, especially with Scotland
-his bad mishandling of rebellions
-his arrogant and dictatorial manner
What events dictated the religious character of Northumberland's regime?
-the purging of conservatives Southampton and Arundel
-Cranmer's support
-The King's increasingly assertive Protestantism
How did Northumberland act when he first defeated Somerset?
-He did not attempt to re-establish a protectorate as he was anxious to avoid the excessive
concentration of power that had brought Somerset down.
-Operate an effective government through the Privy Council: guidelines written by Paget, who
was then excluded from decision making, for more effective operation
, How did Northumberland react to Somerset's attempt at a counter coup?
He attempted to become less conciliar in his approach to government, behaving in the way
Somerset had before he was removed
-presumed enemies removed from the privy council
-gained possession of the dry stamp affix the King's signature to documents
Why did Northumberland not want Mary to succeed?
It was obvious that if Mary were to come to the throne, Catholicism would be restored.
Northumberland had enthusiastically supported a more radical form of Protestantism and would
hence be ruined and his life would be in danger.
What was Northumberland's plan to alter the succession?
Devyse
-excluded Mary and Elizabeth from the succession
-proposed Lady Jane Grey as the next monarch
What were the relations with Scotland under Somerset's "rule"?
Aggressive approach to Scotland (prioritized Scotland)
-strategic objective of reasserting ancient English claim to the Scottish throne
-aimed to enforce the marriage of Edward to Mary Queen of Scots to unite the crowns
-strategy: defeat Scots in battle, force them into submission
Was Somerset's objectives for Scotland completed successfully?
-defeated Scots at the Battle of Pinkie in September 1547
-forts were expensive and difficult to garrison
-failed to capture strategically significant castles EG Edinburgh
-underestimated cooperation between Scotland and France. French relief of Edinburgh and
control of Mary who was taken to France to marry the French heir
What were the consequences of the failure of foreign policy on Somerset?
He engaged in military strategies that were unaffordable at a time of great financial pressure,
failed to achieve his political objective and threatened war with France due to their deteriorating
relationship when he was his most vulnerable
What were the relations with foreign powers under Northumberland ?
-ended war with France and Scotland
-Treaty of Bolougne with France 1550
How was Northumberland's foreign policy beneficial for crown finances?
-reduced foreign policy expenditure by ending wars which stabilised finances
-returning Bolougne in 1550 which was a constant drain on resources
-received a sum of 133,333 for Bolougne
-abandoning remaining English garrisons in Scotland which were costly to maintain
What did Edward inherit when he ascended the throne?
- a country divided on religious grounds
-crown finances ruined by expensive wars against France and Scotland
-rising rates of inflation and a substantial decline in the real incomes of many due to the
debasement of the coinage
-compromised long-term security by selling monastic lands
What was the Regency Council?
The body set up under the terms of Henry VIII's will to exercise power during the minority reign
of Edward VI. It was soon set aside by the personal rule of Somerset's protectorate
-it comprised of 16 members and a further 12
-balanced between protestants and conservatives
What evidence suggests the government was fearful for good order and security?
-Cranmer's homily (published reading) on obedience was read in parish churches
-clergy were required to reinforce that obedience to the authority of the king was in accordance
with the will of god; disobedience was therefore a mortal sin
How did Somerset reinforce his power?
-Controlled the Privy Chamber through the appointment of his supporter, Sir Michael Stanhope,
as Chief Gentleman.
-Appointed members of his household in the privy council EG Sir Thomas Smith
Why was there little support for Somerset?
-members of the privy council resented his self-awarding control
-his failed approach to foreign policy, especially with Scotland
-his bad mishandling of rebellions
-his arrogant and dictatorial manner
What events dictated the religious character of Northumberland's regime?
-the purging of conservatives Southampton and Arundel
-Cranmer's support
-The King's increasingly assertive Protestantism
How did Northumberland act when he first defeated Somerset?
-He did not attempt to re-establish a protectorate as he was anxious to avoid the excessive
concentration of power that had brought Somerset down.
-Operate an effective government through the Privy Council: guidelines written by Paget, who
was then excluded from decision making, for more effective operation
, How did Northumberland react to Somerset's attempt at a counter coup?
He attempted to become less conciliar in his approach to government, behaving in the way
Somerset had before he was removed
-presumed enemies removed from the privy council
-gained possession of the dry stamp affix the King's signature to documents
Why did Northumberland not want Mary to succeed?
It was obvious that if Mary were to come to the throne, Catholicism would be restored.
Northumberland had enthusiastically supported a more radical form of Protestantism and would
hence be ruined and his life would be in danger.
What was Northumberland's plan to alter the succession?
Devyse
-excluded Mary and Elizabeth from the succession
-proposed Lady Jane Grey as the next monarch
What were the relations with Scotland under Somerset's "rule"?
Aggressive approach to Scotland (prioritized Scotland)
-strategic objective of reasserting ancient English claim to the Scottish throne
-aimed to enforce the marriage of Edward to Mary Queen of Scots to unite the crowns
-strategy: defeat Scots in battle, force them into submission
Was Somerset's objectives for Scotland completed successfully?
-defeated Scots at the Battle of Pinkie in September 1547
-forts were expensive and difficult to garrison
-failed to capture strategically significant castles EG Edinburgh
-underestimated cooperation between Scotland and France. French relief of Edinburgh and
control of Mary who was taken to France to marry the French heir
What were the consequences of the failure of foreign policy on Somerset?
He engaged in military strategies that were unaffordable at a time of great financial pressure,
failed to achieve his political objective and threatened war with France due to their deteriorating
relationship when he was his most vulnerable
What were the relations with foreign powers under Northumberland ?
-ended war with France and Scotland
-Treaty of Bolougne with France 1550
How was Northumberland's foreign policy beneficial for crown finances?
-reduced foreign policy expenditure by ending wars which stabilised finances
-returning Bolougne in 1550 which was a constant drain on resources
-received a sum of 133,333 for Bolougne
-abandoning remaining English garrisons in Scotland which were costly to maintain
