Duke of Somerset

Who is the Duke of Somerset?

Edward Seymour

• protestant

• man of action

• obsessed with issues regarding Scotland

• arrogant, rude and difficult to work with

• spent lavishly - Somerset House

When did the Duke of Somerset rule over England on behalf of Edward?

1547-1549

• only 2 years!

How was the Duke of Somerset experienced in warfare?

Military service in France and was knighted by Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk in November 1523

Where is the Duke of Somerset during Henry VIII’s reign?

• 1527 - accompanied Cardinal Thomas Wolsey on his embassy to France

• 1528 - granted lands of monasteries dissolved for the benefit of Wolsey’s colleges

Where did the Duke of Somerset move to in 1537?

Moved with his wife and sister (Jane Seymour) to Palace of Greenwich

What title did Edward Seymour receive in 1537 and why?

Earl of Herford

• when Jane Seymour (sister) marries Henry VIII

How does Edward Seymour become influential in Tudor Society?

• Helps Henry VIII with Scottish campaign

• Trustworthy friend to Henry VIII

What is in Henry VIII’s will about Edward Seymour?

1547 - named to be a member of the Regency Council

• later becomes Lord Protector and names himself Duke of Somerset

How did Edward Seymour maintain his power of Lord Protector?

• Rewarded supporters

• Kept E6 under strict control

• Ruled with a Dry Stamp

• Removed any rivalries

• Ruled from his home - Somerset House

• Excluded King Edward - didn’t allow him to have a say

What was the Seymour VS Seymour conflict?

• Thomas Seymour arranged secret meetings with King Edward - trying to convince him to removed his brother, Edward Seymour, as Lord Protector

• Tried to buy his favour by giving him pocket money

• Attempted to kidnap his nephew

• Caught by dogs - he shot!

What did Thomas Seymour do in an attempt to gain power?

• Tried to kidnap Edward

• Tried to gain Edward’s favour - pocket money

• April 1547: secretly married Henry VIII’s widow - Catherine Parr

• 1548: discovered embracing Princess Elizabeth - grooming her, potential relationship

What happened to Thomas Seymour?

Jan 1549 - arrested on various charges including embezzlement

• E6 testified about the pocket money

• lack of evidence for Treason - condemned instead by Act of Attainder

Beheaded 20th March 1549