The ‘’Reforming coup’ of 1547

• Just before Henry's death, reformers became dominant faction at court.
• The indiscretions of Henry Howard, Norfolk's son, led to his execution and the imprisonment of Norfolk.
• Norfolk's son was meant to have claimed that he should be regent for Prince Edward and even hoped to become king if Edward died.
• Gardiner was also in trouble with Henry over exchange of Church lands and execution of his nephew Germaine.
• At the same time, the reforming faction under the Seymours, Dudley and Cranmer was doing well.
• Seymour and his Protestant allies controlled the Privy Chamber and thus access to dying Henry.
• Seymour's control of royal household also allowed them access to Henry's will and would allow them to disregard Henry's wishes about government for Prince Edward.