Edward VI:
Background:
9 years old when he took the throne, meaning England was ruled by
a Regency Council.
o The council consisted of 16 members, plus an additional 12 if
necessary.
Henry VIII’s Legacy:
Ineffective foreign policy, no land gained except Boulogne.
Edward inherited deep financial problems.
o Debt owed domestically and abroad, e.g. £100,000 to the
Antwerp Market.
Key Figures:
Somerset (Edward Seymour):
o Edward’s uncle.
o Named himself Lord Protectorate of the Regency Council.
o Moderate Protestant.
o Introduced social reforms and religious changes.
o Lost power due to poor leadership (e.g. Kett’s Rebellion).
Northumberland (John Dudley):
o Replaced Somerset.
o Named himself Lord President.
o Strong Protestant.
o Attempted to alter the succession in favour of Lady Jane Grey
using the Devyse.
o Executed for treason in 1553.
Religious Reforms:
Under Somerset:
o Royal Injunctions (1547): Condemned traditional Catholic
practices.
o Book of Common Prayer in 1549.
Background:
9 years old when he took the throne, meaning England was ruled by
a Regency Council.
o The council consisted of 16 members, plus an additional 12 if
necessary.
Henry VIII’s Legacy:
Ineffective foreign policy, no land gained except Boulogne.
Edward inherited deep financial problems.
o Debt owed domestically and abroad, e.g. £100,000 to the
Antwerp Market.
Key Figures:
Somerset (Edward Seymour):
o Edward’s uncle.
o Named himself Lord Protectorate of the Regency Council.
o Moderate Protestant.
o Introduced social reforms and religious changes.
o Lost power due to poor leadership (e.g. Kett’s Rebellion).
Northumberland (John Dudley):
o Replaced Somerset.
o Named himself Lord President.
o Strong Protestant.
o Attempted to alter the succession in favour of Lady Jane Grey
using the Devyse.
o Executed for treason in 1553.
Religious Reforms:
Under Somerset:
o Royal Injunctions (1547): Condemned traditional Catholic
practices.
o Book of Common Prayer in 1549.
