1540s factions

• Henry was portrayed as Tyrannical and out of touch with reality.
• His ill health meant he lost control of the factions and weakened his power.
• However some say Henry was able to use the factions to strengthen his position. He prevented one group from dominating.
• Catherine Howard used by Norfolk and his supporters to see fall of Cromwell, the nobility thought they should advise Henry not low-born Cromwell. Her fin loving innocence was needed after Cleves marriage.
• Catherine Howard became bored with Henry, Henry noticed change. Cranmer had to tell Henry of her adultery and pre-marital affairs.
• Cranmer sent the news in a sealed envelope, Henry did not want to believe it but confessions of those involved made him. Catherine executed.
• His control over Catherine Howard does not represent someone who has lost control yet manipulated everyone else and maintained powe.
• Thomas Cranmer vulnerable to attack from catholic faction. They accused him of being a heretic however Henry warned him of the plot and gave him his ring. Cranmer ordered to investigate his charges.
• Cranmer's charges were soon dropped and Henry stood by a loyal servant however Henry could have prevented the fear for Cranmer; H liked embarrassing ministers.
• in 1546 the catholic faction turned their attention to Catherine Parr, she sympathised with reformists and Lutheran beliefs. Showed king evidence of heresy and Henry gave them permission to confront her.
• Catherine Parr saw Henry and won him over, satisfying Henry, but he did not tell the catholic faction so when they went to arrest her they were greeted with abuse and attempting a treasonous act.
• Henry was in control however could have avoided many situations
• The refusal of Gardiner to grant some of his lands to the king caused him to fall from power; showing reformists were strong
• Norfolk's son, Earl of Surrey, said he had a good claim to the throne through Edward 1. He wore the royal coat of arms (Henry ill so dangerous) Surrey arrested and executed, Norfolk arrested however Henry died before signing death warrant. Triumph for the reformists.
• Anthony Denny and William Paget were also crucial in developments. They controlled access to King and Paget controlled all written information to king. Filter what reached the king.
• Henry's plan to make a 'balanced' regency council when he died; Denny and Paget made a reformists council.
• Henry's will December 1546, details on regency council added when Henry close to death. Gardiner in tower so easier for reformists.
• Denny had control over dry stamp
• Denny and Paget kept king's death quiet for a few days and consolidate their positions.
• Seymour, Edward's uncle, took virtual royal power