Royal authority under Edward VI

How old was Edward when he ascended to the throne?

9 years

Who seized the reins of his government?

His uncle, Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford and Duke of Somerset

Why did Edward VI have a difficult inheritance?

Country divided on religious grounds

Crown finances had been ruined by expensive wars against France and Scotland

Coinage had been debased to pay for the wars- lead to a rise in rate of inflation and substantial decline in real incomes

Crown had compromised its own long-term security by selling off monastic lands, often at a considerable discount, in order to raise money quickly

What had H8 set up in his will?

A Regency Council to govern England during Edward’s minority

What did the Regency Council comprise of?

Sixteen members, supported by a further twelve who were required to assist as required

What were decisions of the Council need to be made by?

The majority

What was the Regency Council balanced between?

Protestants and religious conservatives

What were example of Protestants in the Regency Council?

Hertford, Cranmer, and Sir Anthony Denny

What was examples of religious conservatives in the Regency Council?

Thomas Wriothesley (Earl of Southampton) and Lord St John (later Marquis of Winchester)

What were the administrators and lawyers in the Regency Council expected to do?

Ensure the good interests of government

Who were under-represented in the Regency Council?

Great noble families

How long did the Regency Council last?

Not long

What did the Regency Council delegate its power to?

Hertford

What was Hertford appointed?

Protector

What did the government want for the country?

Good order and security

What’s a homily?

Published reading which could be substituted for a sermon produced by a clergyman

What did Archbishop Cranmer Publish?

Homily on ObedienceWg

When was this homily publish?

1547

Where was this homily meant to read?

In parish churches

What’s a pulpit?

Raised enclosed platform in a church/ chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon

What were the clergy in their pulpits required to reinforce?

Obedience to the authority of the king was in accordance with the will of God

What was disobedience made?

A mortal sin

What’s a mortal sin?

A sin- if unforgiven- could lead to a person’s soul to be subject to eternal damnation