EDWARD VI
Edward was the son of Jane Seymore and the nephew of the Duke of Somerset –
his first regent. He ascended the throne in 1547 and died before he could reach
the age of majority in 1553, but not before he enacted his own religious reforms.
HISTORIAN’S OPINIONS
Penry Williams argues that Edward “played a passive role in politics and
was a piece for the privy chamber to use”
J Loach argues Edward was concerned with more military pursuits and was
committed to the Protestant Cause
INTERPRETATIONS OF THE DUKE OF SOMERSET
Traditional Interpretation: ‘Good Revised Interpretation
Duke’
Established Court of Requests Focuses more on his ability as a
Progressive social policy leader rather than the morality
Criticised wealthy and self- of his rule
seeking people Overstretched himself with a
sweeping social policy and
commitment to war in Scotland
DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND
Traditional Interpretation: ‘Evil Revised Interpretation
Duke’
Masterminded the 1549 Coup Focuses on his political skills
Religious indecisiveness An effective leader
Attempted to change the
succession
ECONOMIC POLICY
Somerset continued the Scottish war, costing the government £580,930
and continued debasement. During his time, there was very little economic
reform.
Northumberland faced 3 key problems during his time as Lord Protector:
reduction in expenditure, debasement and debt.
1. Debts
a. Somerset renegotiated interest on Antwerp loans to 12%
b. Crown lands were sold
c. Debt was reduced from £300,000 in 1550 to £180,00 in 1553
2. Reductions in Expenditure
Edward was the son of Jane Seymore and the nephew of the Duke of Somerset –
his first regent. He ascended the throne in 1547 and died before he could reach
the age of majority in 1553, but not before he enacted his own religious reforms.
HISTORIAN’S OPINIONS
Penry Williams argues that Edward “played a passive role in politics and
was a piece for the privy chamber to use”
J Loach argues Edward was concerned with more military pursuits and was
committed to the Protestant Cause
INTERPRETATIONS OF THE DUKE OF SOMERSET
Traditional Interpretation: ‘Good Revised Interpretation
Duke’
Established Court of Requests Focuses more on his ability as a
Progressive social policy leader rather than the morality
Criticised wealthy and self- of his rule
seeking people Overstretched himself with a
sweeping social policy and
commitment to war in Scotland
DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND
Traditional Interpretation: ‘Evil Revised Interpretation
Duke’
Masterminded the 1549 Coup Focuses on his political skills
Religious indecisiveness An effective leader
Attempted to change the
succession
ECONOMIC POLICY
Somerset continued the Scottish war, costing the government £580,930
and continued debasement. During his time, there was very little economic
reform.
Northumberland faced 3 key problems during his time as Lord Protector:
reduction in expenditure, debasement and debt.
1. Debts
a. Somerset renegotiated interest on Antwerp loans to 12%
b. Crown lands were sold
c. Debt was reduced from £300,000 in 1550 to £180,00 in 1553
2. Reductions in Expenditure
