Royal authority under Edward

What preparations for Edward accession did H8 make?

H8 organised a regency council to rule for Edward after his death.

who was on Edward’s regency council

It had 16 members & not many noble families, mostly administrators & lawyers. It was a mixture of Catholics & Protestants

what was the effect of having a mix of Catholics & Protestants on the regency council?

avoid favouritism to one religion & ensure that no discriminating religious policies were passed - however this could lead to no policies being passed if the two religions could not cooperate with decision making

what did Archbishop Cranmer do in 1547

wrote a homily to be read in all parish churches preaching the importance of obedience to the king

why was it significance that Cranmer wrote a homily to be read in all parish churches preaching the importance of obedience to the king?

suggests that there was a concern of lack of obedience or support for Edward as ruler

when was Somerset in charge of government

1547-1549

how involved was Edward under Somerset

Edward had virtually no direct involvement in politics

why did Edward have virtually no direct involvement in politics under Somerset

the Duke of Somerset ignored Henry’s intentions that the country should be ruled by a regency council by making himself Lord Protector of the Council

how did Somerset rule

through the dry stamp & proclamations assuming autocratic control of the gov, alienating the other members of court

how did Edward still have power under Somerset

in terms of influence - his lack of support for Somerset when he was losing his grip on power in late 1549 was instrumental in Somerset’s overthrow

when was Northumberland in power

1550-1553

how involved was Edward under Northumberland

Edward assumed a much more significant role in government as he grew older, by November 1552, he was regularly attending Privy Council meetings & setting agendas.

what was decided by 1552?

that Edward would reach his maturity at 16 rather than 18

what does Northumberland’s title show?

the diminished role of the Regent as Edward was consulted & involved much more in government

what was Northumberland’s title?

Lord President of the Council

what was Somerset’s title?

Lord Protector of the Council

why was Northumberland still in overall control of government?

he placed limits on what aspects of government Edward could be involved in

how did Edward’s role change over his reign?

he gained control of power/kingship as he grew older & as his reign progressed, he was not irrelevant to gov and once Somerset fell, there was opportunity to increase his involvement

Somerset had the support of…

Archbishop Cranmer & William Paget

Somerset had been involved in politics since…

1536

Somerset had been a member of the Privy Council since…

1537

Somerset had experience of…

diplomacy & battle

Somerset had a strong…

military reputation

Somerset had been in favour…

during the last part of H8s reign

Somerset’s assumption of power was…

an entirely natural outcome

Somerset’s assumption to power defied…

H8s will

Somerset was a poor…

leader

why was Somerset a poor leader?

had alienated many people through his high-handed management, he was reluctant to delegate & often by-passed the Council

Somerset mishandled…

foreign policy

how did Somerset mishandle foreign policy?

the failed campaign in Scotland & the declaration of war by France in Aug 1549 disappointed the Council

how did Somerset encourage factionalism?

Somerset packed key positions with his own men & controlled by king leading to factionalism

why was Somerset not liked in terms of his money making?

he built lavishly  & added £5000 to his already substantial income

how did Somerset alienate the aristocracy?

through his views on social justice

many Catholics opposed…

Somerset’s religious reformswhat

what Somerset’s personality like?

arrogant & dictatorial manner which garnered resentment

Northumberland rec

Northumberland became less…

conciliar in gov after an attempted coup by Somerset