Government in Henry's final years [1540-47]

• Under a revised system of conciliar government, Henry's final years were dominated by conservatives, anxious to halt further religious change, such as Stephen Gardiner and Thomas Wriothesley.
• Norfolk's influence was threatened following Catherine Howard's execution for treason in 1542 and the King's sixth marriage to Katherine Parr.
• As the King's health began to deteriorate, factional rivalries between those of differing political and religious views intensified in a bid to be able to control his successor.
• Norfolk escaped execution by the timely death of the King in January 1547. The leading contender for power was Norfolk's rival, Edward Seymour, the new King's uncle.
• Downfall of the Howards:

  Catherine Howard was accused of having 2 adulterous relationships in November 1541. Cranmer told Henry this at mass, he then appointed people to look into these allegations. Catherine Howard was beheaded in February 1542. After this, all of the Howards were expelled from the Privy Chamber, but the Duke of Norfolk was quick to condemn his niece. He survived, his ambitions were damaged. The conservatives lived on...
• The rise of Cranmer:

  The conservatives accused Cranmer of heresy in 1543, but, Henry put him in charge of his own investigation! This was a win for the reformers.
• Reformers = winners by 1547

  Marriage to Katherine Parr was success for the reformers as she was Protestant. Court politics became very divided, the leading reformer was Edward Seymour. He was closely allied to John Dudley Viscount Lisle. The conservatives began their downfall by end of 1546, Stephen Gardiner (Bishop of Winchester) was removed from office. Norfolk then ordered for execution. However, the King died the day before Norfolk was to be executed!
• The 'Dry Stamp'


  Reformers helped the King make final decisions before his death, the line of succession and the make up of the regency council. grants of offices and titles were given to the members of the regency council. This was fairly well balanced between conservatives and reformers and was constructed of well trusted advisors. Use of a 'Dry Stamp' to validate the will is disputed, some argue that the reformers changed the will to suit them without Henry knowing...