STATE OF ENGLAND UPON H8’S DEATH - 1547

TUDOR DYNASTY

Fragility

• Edward only 9 when he became king - reign vulnerable from the start

• Edward was sickly child - raised concerns about if he’d live long enough to produce heirs. Significant uncertainty about who would inherit the throne upon his death

External pressure

• England still engaged in conflict with Scotland and was trying to maintain its hold on Boulogne which was costly

Political instability

• Powerful noble families wanted more influence (particularly given Edward’s inability to rule independently)

• Regency council established was meant to be a collective body but power concern treated in hands of Edward’s uncle, Edward Seymour (D. Of Somerset)

Religious instability

• Edward’s reign saw acceleration towards Protestant reform, alienated conservative catholics

• Religious direction of the country was uncertain - fears that tensions could lead to unrest/rebellion as people resisted the changes imposed by Protestant agency

STATE OF THE CHURCH

Clerical corruption, reform

• many perceived church as being in need of reform

Break with Rome

• under H, broke away from Pope’s authority, leading to the establishment of CofE (Act of Supremacy)

Doctrinal uncertainty

• although Act of Six Articles (1539) re-affirmed many traditional catholic practices, by the time of Ed’s accession there was growing influence from Protestant reformers

Dissolved monasteries

• dissolution not only weakened the church but impacted local communities- played important role in healthcare, education and charity

CROWN FINANCE

Wars, military expenditure

• Expensive war efforts against France and Scotland = massive spending which drained royal treasury

Debasement of the coin

• to raise funds, Henry’s govt reduced the silver/gold content and increased usage of bade metals. Caused price rises and hardship

Debt

• Govt resorted to borrowing from places like the Netherlands so when Edward took over the crown was heavily indebted to other countries

FOREIGN POLICY

Conflict

• Scottish and french conflict was expensive and brought limited long-term benefits.

• Surrender of Boulogne = end of English control over France

Protestantism, reformed alliances

• govt under Edward sought to strengthen ties with Protestant countries e.g. German states of HRE + Protestant states in Scandinavia

Diplomatic challenges

• relations w HRE were complex as the Habsburgs were significant catholic powers. England had to navigate them carefully

GOVT ADMINISTRATION

Regency govt

• Edward only 9 - regency govt managed England

• Established and initially led by Seymour (D. Of Somerset) however his leadership faced criticism and opposition from rival factions

Administrative reforms

• regency period saw changes in the structure/influence of the privy council - reflecting shift in power dynamics at the time

• Difficulties implementing reforms consistently around the country

Conciliar govt

• war in factions, English model imposed in wale, act of liberties and franchises

TRADE

Europe

• Competitive nature of European trade meant that England had to navigate complex diplomatic/commercial relationships

AGRICULTURE

• problems in agriculture (e.g. impact of enclosure, struggles with local industries) influenced trade.

• Economic difficulties and social unrest sometimes affected stability/efficiency of trade within England itself

SOCIAL ISSUES

POVERTY, SOCIAL INEQUALITY

• economic difficulties (inflation, unemployment) led to increased poverty and govt struggled to address the issue.

• Social hierarchies remained evident - stark divides between wealthy and poor

URBAN ISSUES

• pop growth = overcrowding, strain on resources (e.g. ldn faced sanitation/housing/public health challenges.

• Economic hardship and social discontent led to increased crime/social disorder