The problem of Edward VI's age

What was the greatest threat Edward caused to the stability of the monarchy?

His age.

How old was Edward when he took the throne?

9 years old

What did Edward have no experience in when he took to the throne?

• diplomacy (needed to be calm under pressure)

• warfare

Examples of previous minors on the throne in England

• Henry III - 9, civil war broke out after he came of age

• Richard II - 10 (1377), deposed in 1399 because of his rule after he came of age

• Henry VI 8 months (1422), although reign witnessed Wars of the Roses, England relatively stable during minority

• Edward V, 12 (1483), imprisoned + probably murdered by uncle + supposed protector, Richard III, lost him support _ aided Henry Tudor in his claim

General analysis of the previous experiences of minors on the throne

In many instances ok as minors, but faced problems once came to age. Also clearly weak and subject to violence and risk of life from others wishing to consolidate power.

What were the problems with having a minor on the throne?

Concerns would create instability:

• unable to lead troops in battle

• other states might look to exploit weakness of minor + attack

• England might return to civil war as had happened in C15

• minor would not be able to control factional struggles similar to those of last years of Henry VIII

• in age of personal monarchy, concerns about image, difficult to portray Edward as a powerful / militarily adept

How did Edwards later image compare to initial expectations?

Later image as sickly child not true when came to throne, there was every expectation in 1547 that he would reach adulthood + produce an heir

What had Henry done to try and reduce tensions and secure the Tudor dynasty?

1543 - issued a Third Succession Act: if Edward died without heirs, throne would pass to Mary; ‘should the Lady Mary die without heirs, then the crown shall pass to the Lady Elizabeth and to her heirs’

What did Henry VIII Third Succession Act change and what did it not?

Reversed the earlier Succession Acts which excluded Mary and Elizabeth from succession, did not reverse their illegitimacy.

Where did Henry confirm the Third Succession Act?

In his will. As his health declined in 1546 he was aware Edward would come to the throne as a minor + wanted to try and avoid disputes about the succession.

What did Henry establish which show his concern about political stability under Edward as a minor king?

The Regency Council

What was the Regency Council?

A balance between ‘reformists’ led by Seymour (later Duke of Somerset) and ‘Catholics’ under Norfolk and Gardiner.

Who and how was the Regency Council undermined by?

Paget and Denny who left plenty of space in the king’s will for changes to the king’s wishes to be made. Appears details about the Council only added when king close to death + unable to prevent them. Task made easier as Norfolk removed + Gardiner in the Tower.

Who controlled the dry stamp and what was it’s significance?

Denny controlled the dry stamp of the King’s signature which could be inked in, meaning his signature wasn’t actually required to change the will.

What were Denny and Paget able to do following the king’s death and who did this help?

They were able to keep Henry’s death quiet for a few days allowing the reformists to consolidate their positions and Somerset establish himself + exercise virtual royal power.

Was Somerset’s assumption of power surprising? Why?

Unsurprising - Edward’s uncle + had built up a reputation as a successful soldier during the campaigns against Scotland in the 1540s

What was the transfer of power to Somerset like?

Smooth

What were the arguments for and against the Regency Council?

Against the Regency Council - council of 16 with evert member having equal voice means very unlikely decisions would be reached.

Questions as to the legality of Somerset’s power as it went against Henry’s wishes for the Regency Council.