EDWARD VI
1547 – 1553
,BACKGROUND OF EDWARD VI
Edward VI ascended to the throne when he was nine-years-old.
He was the first to succeed the titles of Supreme Head of the Church of England and Defender of the
Faith.
Following the death of Henry VIII, there were many issues that needed to be dealt with:
o The Crown’s finances had been ruined by expensive wars against France and Scotland.
o To pay for the wars, the coinage had been debased. This led to a rise in inflation and a decline in
real incomes for many people.
o The Crown had compromised its long-term security, by selling off monastic lands, in order to
raise money for war quickly.
In Henry VIII’s will, he had set up a Regency Council, to govern England whilst Edward was still a minor.
The Regency Council consisted of sixteen members, who would make decisions based on a majority.
Members of the Regency Council were balanced between Protestants, such as Hertford and Cranmer, and
religious conservatives, such as the Earl of Southampton.
There were also several administrators and lawyers, who were expected to ensure the interests of good
government.
The Regency Council did not last long, and delegated its power to Hertford, who later granted himself the
title of the Duke of Somerset.
Hertford relied on the support of Cranmer, Viscount Lisle (who later became Earl of Warwick and Duke
of Northumberland) and Sir William Paget.
The government was fearful of good order and security, as there was no guarantee of wider public
acceptance of Somerset as protectorate.
The clergy were required to reinforce the idea that the authority of the King was in accordance with the
will of God. Disobedience of the King, therefore, was a mortal sin.
, THE REGENCY OF SOMERSET
When Somerset was appointed Protector, under the Regency Council, he rewarded himself and
supporters with promotions within the peerage, and substantial grants of Crown lands.
Within weeks, Somerset had gained control, and reinforced his power by controlling the Privy Chamber,
through appointing one of his supporters as Chief Gentleman.
Increasingly, members of the Privy Council resented Somerset, and the atmosphere of his regime was
quickly soured by factional rivalries.
Thomas Seymour, the brother of Somerset, sought to turn Edward VI against his brother.
Seymour also plotted with the Earl of Southampton against Somerset.
Somerset had little choice but to charge his brother of treason.
Southampton denounced Seymour and, consequently, achieved his readmission to the Council.
His arrogant and dictatorial manner created many enemies, especially Southampton.
His style of government and policy failings made him appear weaker to those who had originally
supported him.
One of Somerset’s most important enemies was the Earl of Warwick, who was given the opportunity to
strike Somerset, following his weak response to the rebellions of 1549.
In August 1549, Warwick and Southampton decided that Somerset’s control should be brought to an end,
and tried to secure the support of Princess Mary, but she refused to be a part of any conspiracy.
At the time that the conspirators were ready to strike, Somerset was at Hampton Court and still had
control over the king.
Somerset and Edward retreated to Windsor, but Somerset surrendered after being promised that no
treason charges would be pressed against him.
