the protestant party and the king

• Henry's Will and Edward's Inheritance (1)

  Henry VIII's Plan:

  • Henry planned for Edward VI to avoid the fate of Edward V by arranging his quick coronation, a balanced Privy Council, and Protestant tutors to maintain religious reform

  Seymour's Rise:

  • Despite Henry's plans, Edward Seymour, Edward VI's uncle, became Lord Protector in February 1547
  • He quickly secured the support of most councillors by using his military leadership and the weakness of the conservative faction after Norfolk's disgrace and the Earl of Surrey's execution
• Henry's will and Edward's inheritance (2)

  Failure of Henry's strategy:

  • Henry's vision of shared power through a Privy Council of 16 was disrupted, as Seymour took full control
  • This consolidation of power into the hands of one individual was against Henry's original intention
• The aims, beliefs and role of Somerset (1)

  Somerset as 'Good Duke':

  • Somerset aimed to create a Protestant commonwealth, trying to establish a direct relationship between the king and commons, as seen in his communications with the rebels during the 1549 uprisings

  Short-Term Success:

  • Somerset led a successful invasion of Scotland in 1547 (Battle of Pinkie), hoping to secure a marriage between Edward and Mary, Queen of Scots
  • However, his military campaigns drained finances, and the Scots rejected his offer of union
• The aims, beliefs and role of Somerset (2)

  Economic and Social failures:

  • Somerset's policies worsened inflation, and his debasement of the coinage intensified poverty
  • His harsh Vagrancy Act, which branded and enslaved the unemployed, was deeply unpopular
  • He was also alienated landowners by opposing enclosure, contributing to widespread social unrest
• The aims, beliefs and role of Somerset (3)

  Loss of Support:

  • By 1549, Somerset had lost support from the Privy Council, Edward VI, and the landed elites due to his poor handling of economic and social problems
  • His kidnapping of edward and holding him at Windsor Castle led to his final downfall and replacement by Northumberland
• The aims, beliefs and role of Northumberland as 'Protector' (1)

  Northumberland's Rise to Power:

  • John Dudley (Northumberland) used political skill to oust Somerset, gaining the support of Edward VI and securing control of the Privy Council
  • He expanded the council to 39 members and created an efficient inner committee for daily governance
• The aims, beliefs and role of Northumberland as 'Protector' (2)

  Peace and financial reform:

  • Northumberland ended costly wars with France and Scotland, ceding Boulogne for 400,000 marks
  • He initially debased the coinage further but then reversed the policy, restoring the silver content and stablizing the currency
  • His financial experts, including William Cecil and Thomas Gresham, tackled debt by selling church lands and managing the stock market to restore confidence in sterling
• The aims, beliefs and role of Northumber land as 'Protector' (3)

  Social and economic policies:

  • Northumberland repealed Somerset's unpopular Vagrancy Act and sheep tax, gaining support from both the lower and middle classes
  • He focused on stabilizing the economy rather than addressing deeper social issues, but his policies successfully curbed inflation and stimulated trade
• The aims, beliefs and role of Northumber land as 'Protector' (4)

  Legacy:

  • Northumberland is viewed as more pragmatic and effective than Somerset, particularly in finacial management and governance
  • He delegated authority well, using expert advisors to stabilize England during Edward VI's reign