Edward VI

Born: 12 October 1537 to Henry VIII and Jane Seymour.
Died: 6 July 1553 at the age of 15.
Reign: 1547–1553.
- Edward became king at 9 years old after the death of Henry VIII.
- His reign was characterized by a Regency Council due to his minority.
The Regency was dominated by two key figures:
1. Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset (1547–1549) – Edward’s maternal uncle and the first Lord Protector.
2. John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland (1549–1553) – Took control after Somerset’s downfall.

Edward VI's reign was a turning point in the English Reformation, firmly establishing Protestantism.

Book of Common Prayer (1549, 1552):
- The 1549 version (by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer) introduced moderate Protestant reforms.
- The 1552 version was more radical, removing Catholic practices entirely.
Acts of Uniformity (1549, 1552):
- Mandated the use of the Book of Common Prayer in all church services.
- The 1552 Act enforced stricter Protestant worship, further alienating Catholics.
Chantries Act (1547):
- Abolished chantries (Catholic institutions for prayers for the dead), redirecting their wealth to the crown.
Iconoclasm and Church Reforms:
- Destruction of Catholic images and relics.
- Simplified church interiors and services.

Economic Challenges:
- Inflation and debasement of coinage under Henry VIII continued to cause hardship.
- Enclosure of common lands led to widespread discontent among peasants.
Social Unrest:
- Kett’s Rebellion (1549):
  - Sparked by grievances over enclosure and poor governance.
  - Largely suppressed by Northumberland’s forces but highlighted deep social tensions.
- Western (Prayer Book) Rebellion (1549):
  - Pro-Catholic uprising in Devon and Cornwall against the 1549 Prayer Book.
  - Brutally suppressed, reflecting religious divides.

Scotland:
- Somerset pursued the aggressive "Rough Wooing" policy to enforce the marriage of Edward VI to Mary, Queen of Scots.
- The Battle of Pinkie (1547) was a victory for England but failed to secure control of Scotland.
France:
- Loss of Boulogne in 1550 under Northumberland’s leadership as part of a peace treaty.
- Marked the end of expensive foreign wars and a shift toward financial stability.

Edward was highly educated and deeply influenced by Protestant ideals.
Somerset’s fall in 1549 was due to political isolation and failure to address social unrest effectively.
Northumberland’s rise saw a pragmatic approach to governance, focusing on stabilizing finances and consolidating Protestant reforms.

Edward’s health declined rapidly in early 1553 (likely tuberculosis).
Northumberland, fearing a Catholic restoration under Mary (Edward’s half-sister), devised the Devise for the Succession.
- Named Lady Jane Grey (Edward’s Protestant cousin) as Edward’s heir.
- Jane ruled for only 9 days in July 1553 before being overthrown by Mary I, leading to Northumberland’s execution.

Edward VI’s reign, though short, was pivotal in cementing the Protestant Reformation.
His policies created long-term religious divisions in England, setting the stage for the tumultuous reigns of Mary I and Elizabeth I.
Historiographical debate:
- Some see Edward as a “puppet king,” with his reign dominated by Somerset and Northumberland.
- Others emphasize his strong Protestant convictions and his significant influence, even as a child.

Religious Reforms:
- To what extent were Edward’s reforms revolutionary or simply a continuation of Henry VIII’s policies?
- Impact on social and political stability.
Governance:
- Effectiveness of Somerset vs. Northumberland as protectors.
- Role of the Regency Council in shaping policy.
Foreign Policy:
- Was the loss of Boulogne and the end of the Rough Wooing pragmatic or a sign of weakness?
Succession Crisis:
- Implications of the Devise for the Succession on Edward’s legacy and the Tudor dynasty.