Edward VI 1547-1553
Henry’s Plan for Succession
The Succession Act of 1544 named Edward as heir, with Mary and then Elizabeth should he
fail to survive or produce children.
Regency Council- Henry planned for a regency council of 16 men who would rule on
Edward's behalf until he came of age. Henry allowed factions to develop at Court. The
reform party was led by Thomas Cranmer and Edward Seymour (Duke of Somerset).
Conservatives led by Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk and Bishop Gardiner.
Somerset’s takeover- It is doubtful whether a Regency Council could have operated
successfully. For the Regency Council to operate successfully, it was necessary for one of
its members to act as chief. Edward Seymour quickly emerged as the leader of the Council.
Himself and Sir William Paget kept the King’s death a secret for 4 days in order to increase
support. He was given the power to appoint and dismiss members of the Privy Council,
these powers made Somerset the undisputed ruler of the country.
Henry’s Legacy, the problems failing Somerset
War with Scotland- He left behind a very uncertain diplomatic situation. Many of the nobles
and the gentry had raised forces and led troops in the campaign of the 1540’s. Henry had
already gone into debt and brought England to close to bankruptcy to pay for the War. A
continuation of the War could risk an invasion in the South whilst fighting the Scots in the
North.
Religion- Implementation of the Act of Six Articles had largely been conservative. But the
reformist faction appeared to be in resurgence, reading conservatives were removed. Too
much change might also alarm the Catholic powers in Europe.
Economic Problems- It was in very weak condition with high inflation. By the end of the
1540’s Antwerp Cloth trade was in decline. The annual income Somerset would receive from
Crown Lands was not enough to pay off government borrowing. But trying to raise more
money through taxes would be unpopular and could lead to open rebellion.
Social Problems- Growing evidence of popular discontent over issues such as enclosures.
This leads to the breakdown of traditional village communities and caused real poverty in the
countryside. Rising populations coupled with rising prices and unemployment, meant the
authorities in the towns were increasingly concerned with the fear of rebellion.
Foreign Policy
Scotland
Aims- In Henry VIII’s will he’d arranged the marriage between Edward IV and Mary Queen
of Scots didn’t want this marriage to take place. Somersets aim was to secure the marriage
whilst driving a divide between Scotland and France.
How successful?- June 1547, Henry II renewed the Franco-Scottish alliance and in June
1547 he sent a fleet of ships and around 4,000 troops to Scotland. In September 1547 a joint
land and naval invasion of Scotland was launched. Somerset used Berwick as a base and
invaded with 16,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry, backed up by a fleet of 30 warship and 50
supply ships. Somerset had a victory at the Battle of Pinkie. Gave Somerset control of the
border region. Around 6,000 French soldiers started arriving in Summer 1548, Mary was
moved to France to form a marriage alliance.
France
Henry’s Plan for Succession
The Succession Act of 1544 named Edward as heir, with Mary and then Elizabeth should he
fail to survive or produce children.
Regency Council- Henry planned for a regency council of 16 men who would rule on
Edward's behalf until he came of age. Henry allowed factions to develop at Court. The
reform party was led by Thomas Cranmer and Edward Seymour (Duke of Somerset).
Conservatives led by Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk and Bishop Gardiner.
Somerset’s takeover- It is doubtful whether a Regency Council could have operated
successfully. For the Regency Council to operate successfully, it was necessary for one of
its members to act as chief. Edward Seymour quickly emerged as the leader of the Council.
Himself and Sir William Paget kept the King’s death a secret for 4 days in order to increase
support. He was given the power to appoint and dismiss members of the Privy Council,
these powers made Somerset the undisputed ruler of the country.
Henry’s Legacy, the problems failing Somerset
War with Scotland- He left behind a very uncertain diplomatic situation. Many of the nobles
and the gentry had raised forces and led troops in the campaign of the 1540’s. Henry had
already gone into debt and brought England to close to bankruptcy to pay for the War. A
continuation of the War could risk an invasion in the South whilst fighting the Scots in the
North.
Religion- Implementation of the Act of Six Articles had largely been conservative. But the
reformist faction appeared to be in resurgence, reading conservatives were removed. Too
much change might also alarm the Catholic powers in Europe.
Economic Problems- It was in very weak condition with high inflation. By the end of the
1540’s Antwerp Cloth trade was in decline. The annual income Somerset would receive from
Crown Lands was not enough to pay off government borrowing. But trying to raise more
money through taxes would be unpopular and could lead to open rebellion.
Social Problems- Growing evidence of popular discontent over issues such as enclosures.
This leads to the breakdown of traditional village communities and caused real poverty in the
countryside. Rising populations coupled with rising prices and unemployment, meant the
authorities in the towns were increasingly concerned with the fear of rebellion.
Foreign Policy
Scotland
Aims- In Henry VIII’s will he’d arranged the marriage between Edward IV and Mary Queen
of Scots didn’t want this marriage to take place. Somersets aim was to secure the marriage
whilst driving a divide between Scotland and France.
How successful?- June 1547, Henry II renewed the Franco-Scottish alliance and in June
1547 he sent a fleet of ships and around 4,000 troops to Scotland. In September 1547 a joint
land and naval invasion of Scotland was launched. Somerset used Berwick as a base and
invaded with 16,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry, backed up by a fleet of 30 warship and 50
supply ships. Somerset had a victory at the Battle of Pinkie. Gave Somerset control of the
border region. Around 6,000 French soldiers started arriving in Summer 1548, Mary was
moved to France to form a marriage alliance.
France
