Sources- Tudors

Source Booklet

Authority:

Edward:

The King records, in his private diary, the events surrounding his accession to the throne.

He* was suddenly proclaimed King on the day his father’s death was announced in London, where there was great lamentation. He spent three weeks in the Tower while the Council enforced the late King’s will. They thought best to choose the Duke of Somerset as Lord Protector of the Realm and Governor of the King’s person during his minority, being then but nine years old. Lord Lisle became Earl of Warwick and the Protector’s brother Admiral of England. He was anointed, took the coronation oath and gave a general pardon. He sat at dinner with the crown on his head and the Lords in the hall beneath.

Edward VI, 1547

* In his private diary, Edward VI always referred to himself as ‘he’, as if a detached observer

The Privy Council issues a final version of Henry VIII’s will shortly before his death, clarifying the line of succession.

Succession to the Crown shall go to Prince Edward and his heirs. In default, to King Henry’s daughter Mary and her heirs, on condition she marries only with the consent of a majority of the surviving councillors appointed to Edward. In default, to his daughter Elizabeth on like condition. Mary or Elizabeth shall forfeit all right to the succession for failing to observe this condition. In default, to the heirs of Frances [Grey], eldest daughter of [King Henry’s] younger sister. In default, to the heirs of Eleanor, second daughter of his younger sister.

Henry VIII, last will and testament, 30 December 1546

Report to the Privy Council of the delivery of their message to Princess Mary by Lord Chancellor, comptroller of the household and Sir William Petre, Secretary, 29 August 1551

But rather then she well agree to use any other service then which used at the death of the late king her father she would lay her head on a block and suffer death. But (said she) I am unworthy to suffer death in so good a quarrel: when the king’s Majesty said she shall come to such years that he may be able to judge things himself, his Majesty shall find me ready to obey his orders in religion: but now in these years, although the good sweet king have more knowledge than any other of his years, yet is it not possible that he can be a judge in these things. For if ships were to be sent to the seas, or any other thing to be done touching the policy and government of the realm I am sure you would not think his years yet able to consider what were to be done: and much less said she can he in these years discern what is fittest in matters of divinity.

The Privy Council’s allegations against the Duke of Somerset, after the successful suppression of the 1549 rebellions.

Somerset encouraged the common people to revolt. He said: ‘Good people, in the name of God and King Edward, let us rise with all our power. We must defend the King and the Lord Protector against gentlemen who would depose the Lord Protector and so endanger the King’s royal person. They threaten this because the poor common people, after ill-treatment by the greedy gentlemen, were pardoned this year by the mercy of the King and the goodness of the Lord Protector. Let us fight for him, for he loves the poor people of England.’

Privy Council charges against the Duke of Somerset, 6 October 1549

An act of Parliament of 1552 imposes the Second Prayer Book.

In spite of the introduction of the First Common Prayer Book by Parliament, a great number of people

in this realm willfully and damnably refuse to come to their parish churches on Sundays and holy days.

In future those who are absent shall be punished by the Church courts. The First Common Prayer Book

has produced doubts about the form of worship, so the King has ordered a Second Book of Common

Prayer to replace it. Anyone who uses another form of worship shall be imprisoned for six months.

Second Act of Uniformity, 1552

By an Act of Attainder, Parliament judges the Admiral, Thomas Seymour, to be guilty of high treason.

In the first year of King Edward’s reign, the Lord Protector bears witness that the admiral, out of his great pride and ambition, would have seized control of his Majesty, to the King’s peril and the overthrow of the state. The admiral wrote secretly to Parliament to stir up disloyalty, and bribed members of the Privy Chamber to conspire with him to depose the Protector, appoint a new council and arrange the King’s marriage. The admiral disobeyed advice and sought to marry Princess Elizabeth, second in line to the throne, for which treasons he is imprisoned in the Tower.

Proceedings in Parliament, 17 January 1549

In the month of his fifteenth birthday, Edward VI sets out his own religious agenda for discussion by the Council.

1. The Scriptures to be taught in all grammar schools.

2. Uniformity of doctrine to be preached.

3. Bishops to be chosen for their wisdom, learning and good religion to enforce discipline.

4. Visitations to make lazy ministers work harder and to keep more preachers.

5. New Church laws and injunctions.

Edward VI’s Memorandum to the Council, October 1552

A contemporary relates the moves by councillors and nobles in October 1549 to overthrow Lord Protector Somerset.

After these revolts were pacified, many lords and councillors, disliking the government of the Lord Protector, started to plot to replace him. Each lord and councillor went through London armed, and had their servants likewise armed. They assembled at the house of the Earl of Warwick [later Duke of Northumberland]. Then they published a proclamation against him containing the following charges. First, that through his malicious and evil government, the Lord Protector had caused all the recent unrest in the country. Second, he was ambitious and sought his own glory. Third, that he ignored the advice of the councillors. Fourth, that he told untruths about the council to the King.

Richard Grafton, Chronicle entry for 1549, written in 1568

A contemporary living in London describes the events leading to the execution of Somerset in January 1552.

Somerset was the head of a conspiracy against the whole Council, and more particularly against the Duke of Northumberland, whom Somerset pursued with a deadly hatred, since Northumberland had been foremost among those who deprived him of the rank of Lord Protector. Somerset obtained some supporters from among the Council itself. They agreed that Northumberland should be murdered and they should take over the government of the kingdom. Somerset should lead the government, or even be restored to the office of Protector.

Francis Bourgoyne, letter to John Calvin, 22 January 1552

Parliament discusses the charges against the Duke of Somerset, former Lord Protector. It was commonly believed the evidence was a forgery.

Northumberland feared Somerset as the only person who might take away his control of the King. The duke planned to charge Somerset with treason for assembling men to kill him. The Lords debated but would not find Somerset guilty of any charge except ‘conspiring to imprison Northumberland’. Several lords thought it unfit that Northumberland should himself give his verdict because the actions were against him, but it was agreed that a peer of the realm could not be challenged. After great debate, they all acquitted Somerset of treason, but a majority found him guilty of felony and condemned him to death.

Parliamentary record of charges made against the Duke of Somerset, January 1552

Mary:

A diary entry from the member of parliament William Cecil regarding Mary’s fourth parliament.

21 October, 1555: Parliament assembled at Westminster. I participated at some risk. Notwithstanding my reluctance, I had been elected a member from Lincolnshire. Nevertheless, I spoke my mind freely and incurred some ill will. But it was better to obey God than man.

William Cecil’s Diary, 21^st October, 1555.

Extract from a letter written from Simon Renard to Emperor Charles V.

That very day, she said, she had sent for the Council to come to her chamber, declared all the foregoing to them, and said she trusted them to do their duty; they must not give way to faction or weaken in their devotion to her, upon which the honour and welfare of the realm depended, and she, for her part, would do her utmost to support and help them. They replied with one voice that they would do their duty and die at her feet to serve her.

Letter from Renard to Charles V, December 1553.

The Privy Council respond to Mary’s claim to the throne on the death of Edward VI.

Our answer is to inform you that our Sovereign Lady Queen Jane is, after the death of King Edward VI, in possession of the imperial crown of this realm, not only by good order of old laws of this realm,

but also by your late King’s open letters signed with his own hand and sealed with the great seal of England in the presence of many nobles, councillors and judges. For many acts of Parliament have made you illegitimate and unable to inherit the imperial crown of this realm.

A servant of the Spanish king writes from the English court about arrangements for the succession as Mary lies dying.

As the Queen continues to be ill, the Privy Council spoke to her yesterday in order to persuade her to declare the Lady Elizabeth her heir. Her Majesty agreed; and the Council today will visit the Lady Elizabeth and inform her that the Queen is willing that she should succeed in the event of her own death, but that she asks two things of her: one, that she will maintain the old religion as the Queen has restored it; and the other that she will pay the Queen’s debts.

Christophe d’Assonleville, letter to King Philip of Spain, 7 November 1558

Sir John Arundell a catholic to the Earl of Arundel, 13 January, 1554 Note how Sir John reports the case to someone higher up the order and that he names witnesses, so that the Earl can investigate.

Jackman said I would all priests were hanged & Come said, god forbid for the Queen’s grace have granted it, & then said Cowlyn, the queen a vengeance. Jackman, Cowlyn said outlandish men will come upon our heads for there be some at Plymouth already and Jackman said that before the year you shall see all houses of religion up again with the popes laws. Cowlyn said we ought not have a woman to bear the sword [as queen]. Jackman said if a woman bear the sword, my lady Elizabeth ought to bear it first which matter as I have delivered here written unto your lordship.

Lady Jane Dudley (formerly Grey) writes to Queen Mary I to explain the circumstances in which she was proclaimed ‘Queen Jane’ in the previous month.

The Duke of Northumberland announced King Edward’s death. He said the King had considered it treason to acknowledge Mary, Your most serene Majesty, or Lady Elizabeth, as true heirs of the Crown. One disobeyed her father on religion and both were bastards. King Edward disinherited them and ordered the Council to obey. The Duke said King Edward had named me the true heir. The Council kneeled before me, saying they would obey King Edward’s wishes on pain of death. I was amazed and troubled, overcome by sudden grief and fell to the ground, weeping very bitterly. I resolved never to consent to my husband becoming King.

Lady Jane Dudley, letter, August 1553

A writer describes events after the proclamation of Jane Grey as Queen

The Duke of Northumberland set out from London. Meanwhile, Mary withdrew into Norfolk and Suffolk where she understood the Duke’s name to be much hated for subduing the rebels under King Edward. Gathering to her such aid of the commons as she might, she stayed within Framlingham Castle. The first to resort to her were the Suffolk men who, being always forward in promoting the proceedings of the gospel, promised her their aid provided she would promise them no innovations would be made in religion. She agreed. 

John Foxe, Acts and Monuments, vol VI, written in the mid 1550s.

An anonymous writer recounts the reaction to the proclamation of Jane Grey as Queen.

After King Edward’s death the Council proclaimed Lady Jane as queen. But, partly because of the right

of Mary’s title and partly because of the malice that the people bore to the Duke of Northumberland for

the death of the Duke of Somerset and his other cruelty, the majority of the commons with some nobles

sided with Lady Mary, who proclaimed herself queen.

From an anonymous account of events which John Foxe later used as a source for ‘Acts and

Monuments’ in the mid 1550s.

Poetical autobiography of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, written before 1571

Sorrowfully, from Greenwich I did straight depart

To London, to a house which bore our name.

My brothers guessed by my heavy heart

The King was dead, and I confessed the same:

The covering up of his death I did report,

Their meaning to proclaim Queen Jane I told.

And, though I did not like the religion [Roman Catholicism]

In my mind that wicked motion

to displace right heirs I did detest.

Causeless to proffer any injury

I meant it not, but sought for remedy.

Edward VI issues his ‘Devise for the Succession’ setting out who shall succeed to the crown in the event of his death.

As Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth are both illegitimate they have no claim to the crown. As half blood to us, they would be barred by ancient law and custom of this realm and could not succeed us even if legitimate. Were the said Mary or Elizabeth to have the crown of England and marry a foreigner, he would practise his own country’s laws and customs within this realm. This would utterly subvert the commonwealth of this our realm. We therefore declare that the crown shall, for lack of issue of our body, come firstly to the eldest son of Lady Frances Grey or, secondly, to the Lady Jane and her male heirs.

Letters Patent for the limitation of the Crown, 21 June 1553

Having disregarded her Council’s advice to leave the capital for her own protection, Queen Mary addresses the citizens of London to rally their support against Wyatt’s approaching rebels.

At my coronation, when I was wedded to this realm, you promised to obey me. If a Prince may earnestly love her subjects as a mother loves her child, then be sure that I, your lady and mistress, love and favour you as tenderly. Thus loving you, I must think that you love me as faithfully; so I am sure we shall speedily overthrow these rebels.

Mary I, Guildhall speech, 1 February 1554

The Act of Parliament for a marriage treaty between Mary I and Prince Philip of Spain sets out the terms to protect English interests.

This treaty greatly honours and benefits England. The prince shall enjoy, jointly, the style and honour of king. He shall happily help administer England, preserving its rights, laws, privileges and customs. The Queen shall have total control of all offices, lands and revenues, and grant them to natural born Englishmen. Sincere friendship with Spain will be happily established forever, God willing, to benefit their successors. Should no children be born and the queen die before him, he shall accept the lawful heir. The prince shall take no jewels abroad, nor ships, guns or supplies. He shall renew defences of the realm. By this marriage, England shall not be entangled in war, and the prince shall observe England’s peace with France.

Act for the Marriage of Queen Mary to Philip of Spain,1554

The Imperial ambassador, who was very influential with Queen Mary, reports to the Emperor on the factional rivalries in Mary I’s Privy Council.

23 November 1554: it has proved impossible to reduce the excessive number of councillors, for it created too much bad feeling between the old and recent members of the Privy Council.

10 February 1555: the split in the Council has grown. The two factions no longer consult together; some councillors transact no business. Paget is now out of favour with the Queen and most of the Council, so he is often in King Philip’s apartments.

27 March 1555: the Council is very much divided. Neither Arundel nor Paget attended because of their hatred for the Chancellor, Bishop Stephen Gardiner, and other councillors. When the Chancellor reaches a decision, the others immediately try to defeat it.

Simon Renard, extracts from letters to Charles V

After the announcement of Lady Jane Grey’s accession to the throne, Mary Tudor writes to the Privy Council, sending copies of the letter to many large towns.

It seems strange that you did not tell us of our brother’s death on Thursday night. Yet, I rely on your loyalty, considering my status, the good of the country and all your honours. Nevertheless, we know you have assembled a force and naturally we fear some evil. But we can take these actions in gracious part, being ready to fully pardon you to avoid bloodshed and vengeance. We trust not to have to use the service of other true subjects and friends abroad whose rightful cause God shall support. We require you to proclaim our right and title to the Crown and government of this realm.

Mary Tudor, letter, 9 July 1553

A Scottish Calvinist preacher expresses his opinion on female rule.

To promote a woman to rule a nation is unnatural and insulting to God as contrary to his revealed will and law. It is the subversion of good order and justice. No–one can deny that it is repugnant to nature that the blind shall lead those who can see, the weak protect the strong, or the foolish and mad govern the discreet and give counsel to those of sober mind. Such are all women compared to man in bearing authority. For as rulers, their sight is blindness; their strength, weakness; their advice, foolishness; and their judgement, frenzy.

John Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women, 1558

Admonition to the Town of Calais (1557), a pamphlet written by the exiled English Protestant, Robert Pownall.

"[a]nother Athalia, that is an utter destroyed of her own kindred, kingdom and country, a hater of her own subjects, a lover of strangers and an unnatural stepdame both unto the and to thy mother England.

*Queen Athaliah is the only woman in the Hebrew Bible reported as having reigned as a monarch within Israel/Judah. After her son's brief rule, she kills the remaining members of the dynasty and reigns for six years, when she is overthrown.

Religion:

Edward:

In 1549, Parliament condemns Catholic service books and completes the campaign, started in 1548, against images in churches.

The King has issued through Parliament a uniform, quiet and godly order of service called the Book

of Common Prayer, which contains nothing but the very pure word of God. However, alongside it are

still practiced corrupt, untrue and superstitious ceremonies, which allow some to attack the order and

meaning of the Prayer Book and encourage great diversity of opinion. Therefore it is ordered that all

books used for the old mass be abolished, and any images of stone, timber or marble be defaced and

destroyed.

An act for abolishing and putting away of images and various books, 1549

In the month of his fifteenth birthday, Edward VI sets out his own religious agenda for discussion by the Council.

1. The Scriptures to be taught in all grammar schools.

2. Uniformity of doctrine to be preached.

3. Bishops to be chosen for their wisdom, learning and good religion to enforce discipline.

4. Visitations to make lazy ministers work harder and to keep more preachers.

5. New Church laws and injunctions.

Edward VI’s Memorandum to the Council, October 1552

Six of the sixteen demands presented to the Duke of Somerset by the leaders of the Western rebels who were encamped outside Exeter.

2. We will have the Six Articles restored.

4. We will have the sacrament worshipped as it was before, and anyone who disagrees to die like heretics.

7. We will have images set up and all ancient ceremonies restored.

8. We will not receive the new service because it is simply a Christmas game, but will have our old Latin services. Some of us Cornish men do not understand English.

13. We will that no gentleman have more than one servant for each hundred marks of land he owns.

14. We will that half the abbey and chantry lands be taken from their new owners, and two abbeys restored in every county.

The demands of the Western rebels, 1549

In a letter written for him by Protector Somerset, Edward VI comments on  some of the grievances of the rebels of Devon and Cornwall. 

You ask for all Catholic ceremonies and images to be restored to every church. You say certain Cornishmen are offended because they do not have church services in Cornish, since they do not understand English. You complain that religious changes were made without my knowledge. But I deny this and affirm that the Prayer Book is according to scripture and the Word of God. You require the tax granted to me by Parliament on cloth and sheep should be cancelled. You complain of the shortage of food and other things.

Edward VI, Answer to the Petition of the rebels of Devon and Cornwall, July 1549

The communion or Eucharist service from the 1552 Second Book of Common Prayer, written by Archbishop Cranmer.

Hear us o merciful Father we beg you; and grant that we receiving these your gifts of bread and wine, according to Christ's example, in remembrance of his death, may share in his most blessed body and blood. And when the minister delivers the bread, he shall say:  Take and eat this, in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith, with thanksgiving. And when the minister delivers the cup, he shall say: Drink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for you and be thankful.

An act of Parliament of 1552 imposes the Second Prayer Book.

In spite of the introduction of the First Common Prayer Book by Parliament, a great number of people

in this realm willfully and damnably refuse to come to their parish churches on Sundays and holy days.

In future those who are absent shall be punished by the Church courts. The First Common Prayer Book

has produced doubts about the form of worship, so the King has ordered a Second Book of Common

Prayer to replace it. Anyone who uses another form of worship shall be imprisoned for six months.

Second Act of Uniformity, 1552

A distinguished German protestant who arrived in England in 1548, and taught theology at Cambridge University, sends news of religious events in England to a leading European protestant.

The Bishops have not yet agreed on Christian doctrine, let alone the rules of the Church, and very

few parishes have qualified clergymen. Sometimes the clergy read the services rapidly, so that the

ordinary people have no more understanding of it than if it were still in Latin rather than English. When

these problems are presented to the bishops, they say they cannot correct them without an Act of

Parliament. Though Parliament meets every year, the number of secular matters stops Church affairs

being discussed. When you next write to the Duke of Somerset, you must urge him to reform the

Church.

Martin Bucer, letter to John Calvin, June 1550

The accounts kept by the churchwardens of a Worcester parish record the impact of the Edwardian Reformation in the Midlands.

Mary:

A Yorkshire priest and supporter of Roman Catholicism comments on religious developments.

From August 1553 in many places in Yorkshire, priests were very glad to say mass in Latin, according

to the fervent zeal and love they had unto God and his laws. Holy bread and water was given, altars

were rebuilt, pictures and images set up once more. The English service was voluntarily laid aside and

the Latin taken up again, and all without compulsion of any act or law, but merely on the wish of Queen

Mary. And all the old ceremonies were used regularly, once the Lord Cardinal Pole arrived in this realm

in November 1554.

Robert Parkyn, Narrative of the Reformation, 1532–54

Mary Tudor proclaims her religious intentions two weeks after her accession.

Queen Mary sees that the great dangers caused by religious differences are increasing due to rumours spread by evil-disposed persons. Her Highness desires her subjects to follow her religion quietly and charitably. She intends not to compel her subjects until further order by common assent. She commands all her subjects not to preach, teach Scripture or print books, rhymes or ballads except by her written licence. Those who disobey will be punished. Obedience will avoid her Highness’s most grievous displeasure, and the severity and rigour of punishments she shall be most sorry to have to impose. Such rebellious actions must be punished.

Mary’s first Proclamation on religion, 18 August 1553

A Yorkshire priest records the reactions of the clergy to the restoration of Roman Catholic services at the start of Mary I’s reign.

In August, Queen Mary issued a proclamation licensing priests to say mass in Latin after the ancient custom used in her father’s day. Then the holy church began to rejoice, singing praise to God with heart and tongue. But many heretics did not rejoice at all. It was a joy to hear and see those sinful priests who had lived their lives immorally with their whores look so dismayed. They were commanded to forsake their mistresses and do open penance according to the canon law, which then took effect.

Robert Parkyn, Narrative of the Reformation, 1554

The Imperial ambassador in England writes to King Philip, who was abroad, about the reactions to the persecution of Protestants.

The people of London are murmuring about the cruel enforcement of the recent Acts of Parliament

against heresy which has now begun, as shown publicly when a certain Rogers was burnt yesterday.

Some of the onlookers wept; others prayed to God to give him strength and patience to bear the pain

and not convert back to Catholicism. The haste with which the bishops have proceeded in this matter

may well cause a revolt. If the people got the upper hand, not only would the cause of religion be again

threatened, but the persons of your Majesty and the Queen might be in peril.

Simon Renard, letter to King Philip, London, February 1555

The Venetian ambassador gives his opinion on religious developments in England in Mary’s reign.

Knowing of the divisions among her councilors, the Queen, in order not to be deceived, ordered that

Cardinal Pole should have everything referred to him, since she trusts him and distrusts almost all

the others. The Catholic religion seems daily to increase and take root, through the Queen’s authority

and the Cardinal’s diligence. Monasteries are being built, churches are full, the ancient rites and

ceremonies are again performed. But, except for a few, most pretend to reject Protestantism and on

the first opportunity would return to it. The Queen is greatly grieved by the conspiracies and plots

formed against her daily. When she punishes the ringleaders, she provokes hatred since the offenders

are excused by almost everyone.

Giovanni Michiel, letter to the Senate of Venice, 13 May 1557

A Protestant theologian, and later Bishop, who went into exile during Mary’s reign but returned to England at the start of Elizabeth’s reign, describes the situation he found to a fellow Protestant.

Our universities are so depressed and ruined that at Oxford there are scarcely two individuals who

think with us, and even they are so dejected and broken in spirit that they can do nothing. Some

despicable friars have reduced the vineyard of the Lord into a wilderness. You would scarcely believe

that so much desolation could have been effected in so short a time.

John Jewel, letter to Henry Bullinger, 20 March 1559

A letter from Edward VI criticising Edmund Bonner, a religiously conservative bishop who was in charge of the diocese of London.

On the advice of parliament, we have set a most godly order in our Church of England and Ireland. Yet you have rarely executed our guidance and it has been brought to our attention that people in your diocese frequent foreign rites and masses that are not allowed by the orders of our realm. Furthermore, adultery and fornication are openly practiced in the city of London and other places in your diocese, provoking the wrath of God against our people. You have been warned against this evil and yet you have so far made no attempt to address it.

Letter drafted by Sir Thomas Smith, 2 August 1549

A royal messenger, cousin of a former Lord Chancellor, records an eyewitness account of an event in London.

On Sunday, a villainous event took place in Cheapside. A dead cat was hanged on the post of the gallows, dressed in cloth like the vestment of a priest at mass with crosses front and back. Its head was shaved, a bottle* was nearby and between its front paws was a piece of paper like a consecrated wafer. It was taken to Bishop Bonner of London, who showed it to the audience attending the sermon at St. Paul’s Cross. The Lord Mayor offered a reward to anyone naming the culprit. Inquiries were made and several persons were imprisoned under suspicion.

Charles Wriothesley, chronicle, April 1554

* bottle: the implication was that this represented the wine blessed in the Catholic Mass

The imperial ambassador informs Emperor Charles V of the progress in overcoming obstacles to a reconciliation with Rome.

3 September: Cardinal Pole wishes to know if he will be received here as legate. The Pope expects submission to the Church before confirming that laymen may retain Church property. Catholics hold more Church property than heretics, and will not allow the Cardinal to execute his commission unless they are satisfied that their entitlement will never be contested. Parliament created the Royal Supremacy of the Church giving it a firm right to deal with all religious questions. The Cardinal’s powers must be made clear and comprehensive. 29 November: Yesterday Parliament unanimously decided to repeal all laws against the Pope’s authority without any hint of conditions about Church property.

Simon Renard, letters, 1554

The minister of a secret Protestant congregation in London during Mary’s reign, writes to a friend who is minister to a group of English Protestants in exile in Switzerland.

Seven men were burned at Smithfield on 28 July. A cruel proclamation was made that, upon pain of death, no-one should approach near them, touch them, speak to them or comfort them. Yet they were so supportively spoken to, so movingly taken by the hands and so godly comforted, despite that fearful proclamation and the threats of the sheriff and sergeants, that the authorities were astonished. Since then, the Bishop of London condemned six others and caused them to be burned hastily the same night. This has brought him more hatred from the common multitude than any of his other actions.

Thomas Bentham, private letter, 1558

Rebellions:

Edward:

In a letter written for him by Protector Somerset, Edward VI comments on  some of the grievances of the rebels of Devon and Cornwall. 

You ask for all Catholic ceremonies and images to be restored to every church. You say certain Cornishmen are offended because they do not have church services in Cornish, since they do not understand English. You complain that religious changes were made without my knowledge. But I deny this and affirm that the Prayer Book is according to scripture and the Word of God. You require the tax granted to me by Parliament on cloth and sheep should be cancelled. You complain of the shortage of food and other things.

Edward VI, Answer to the Petition of the rebels of Devon and Cornwall, July 1549

The Duke of Somerset orders martial law against future offenders, after rioting had been provoked by enclosure commissions.

Recently, His Majesty set up commissions to remedy unlawful enclosures. Some have been delayed by the foolishness of those who seek their own remedy unlawfully. No-one could require more than the commands of His Majesty, his uncle and the Council. Yet His Majesty understands that many subjects are taking action into their own hands by assembling and rioting. Therefore His Majesty, by the advice of his said dear uncle and Lord Protector, orders all subjects, upon pain of death, to cease from assemblies and riots to pull down any hedge or enclosure.

Royal Proclamation ‘Pardoning Enclosure Rioters’, 14 June 1549

A Protestant preacher, who was chaplain to Protector Somerset, writes in 1547 or 1548 to condemn the evils of enclosure by greedy landlords.

Rich landlords oppress the King’s subjects by enclosing the common pastures for sheep. Thus poor people are not able to keep a cow to feed their family, but are likely to starve and die. Yet wool and mutton were never so high in price. When the greedy gentlemen have enclosed other people’s properties into their lands, these fall into utter ruin, so that towns become a wilderness, home only to a shepherd and his dog. The gentlemen condemn the clergy but behave no better than the monks of old. They give no hospitality and have no pity for the poor, but seek their own profit, to the decay of the Commonwealth.

Thomas Becon, The Jewel of Joy, published in 1550

In the name of Edward VI, the Privy Council respond to the petition drawn up by Kett’s rebels.

I marvel that you should first arm against me before presenting your bold petitions, when I have reformed many other matters. I have lately issued a proclamation against excessive food prices and appointed commissioners to reform enclosures, to end the seizures of common land. Yet, violently, you take my authority upon yourselves. Your demand for reduction of rents to their ancient levels cannot be enforced until the next parliament. However, I hereby instruct my commissioners to ensure that rents are paid at the rate asked forty years ago, and that wool prices are lowered.

Edward VI, letter to the common people assembled in Norfolk, 18 July 1549

The Privy Council, in the name of Edward VI, writes to the Norfolk rebels.

We have been informed that you have assembled in large companies in very disordered fashion. You

have forgotten the Bible which teaches obedience to the King. We have always been ready to address

your grievances, and have sent commissioners to reform enclosures. You make humble petition to us

for further reform and we will ensure that rents are returned to their old levels. Other reforms will be

discussed in the next Parliament. We urge you now to return quietly to your homes.

Edward VI, letter to the Commons assembled in Norfolk, 18 July 1549

An ambassador in England writes a brief account of the risings of 1549.

The revolt of the peasants has increased and spread, so that now they have risen in every part of

England, asking for things just and unjust. They demand they may use the land that once used to be

public property, and that land leased to them shall be considered to be of the same value now as in the

time of Henry VII, who died in 1509. The last request is very difficult to meet. In Kent and Essex the

risings ended when foodstuffs were taxed at a reasonable price. There is no mention of religion made

among any of them, except in Cornwall and Devon.

François van der Delft, letter to Emperor Charles V, 19 July 1549

A Commonwealth writer comments on the behaviour of landlords.

Contrary to the law against oppression and extortion, you have enclosed from the poor their common

land, levied greater entry fees payable on new leases, excluded them from their rightful use of the

common land, and raised their rents. What obedience did you show when the King’s proclamations

were sent forth to open up your enclosures, and yet you continued to enclose? If you had loved your

country, would you not have prevented the recent great destruction which followed from your incurable

greed?

Robert Crowley, The Way to Wealth, 1550

From about 1550 Edward VI began to keep a journal of major events. Here he describes the unrest of 1549.

The people began to rise up in Wiltshire, where Sir William Herbert did put them down, over-run and

slay them. Then they rose up in Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and elsewhere, where by fair persuasions

they were often satisfied, but again, because certain commissions were sent to pull down enclosures,

they did then rise up again.

Because there was a rumour I was dead, I rode through London.

After that, they rose up in Oxfordshire, Devonshire, Norfolk and Yorkshire.

Once they were crushed, the Privy Council, about 19 of them, were gathered in London to meet with

the Lord Protector and to make him amend some of his disorders.

King Edward VI, Chronicle

Five of the twenty-nine Articles drawn up by Robert Kett, leader of a rebellion in East Anglia, and presented to the Duke of Somerset.

1. We pray your grace that from now on no man shall enclose any more.

8. We pray that ministers that cannot preach God’s Word be dismissed, and replaced by others, chosen by the parishioners or lord of the town.

14. We pray that land that is unreasonably rented may be priced as in 1485, and that when lands change hands, the fees are easy to pay.

15. We pray that every priest shall reside in his parish so his parishioners may be taught God’s laws.

16. We pray that all bond men may be made free, for God made all free with his precious blood.

Kett’s Demands Being in Rebellion, 1549

In the name of Edward VI, the Privy Council respond to the petition drawn up by Kett’s rebels.

I marvel that you should first arm against me before presenting your bold petitions, when I have reformed many other matters. I have lately issued a proclamation against excessive food prices and appointed commissioners to reform enclosures, to end the seizures of common land. Yet, violently, you take my authority upon yourselves. Your demand for reduction of rents to their ancient levels cannot be enforced until the next parliament. However, I hereby instruct my commissioners to ensure that rents are paid at the rate asked forty years ago, and that wool prices are lowered.

Edward VI, letter to the common people assembled in Norfolk, 18 July 1549

Mary:

The Privy Council, letter to Mary Tudor, 9 July 1553

Source B: A contemporary records Mary’s reaction to news of Wyatt’s march on London.

On 1 February the Queen went to the Guildhall and declared to the audience the wicked plan of the traitor Wyatt, which was utterly to deprive her of her crown, and to ransack the city. She spoke so nobly, with so good spirit, and with so loud a voice, that all the people might hear her Majesty, and were comforted in their hearts with so sweet words which made them weep with joy to hear her Majesty speak. On 3 February the Queen appointed Lord William Howard to be Captain General, with the Lord Mayor, for the defence of the City.

Wriothesley’s Chronicle for 1554

A servant of the Spanish king writes from the English court about arrangements for the succession as Mary lies dying.

As the Queen continues to be ill, the Privy Council spoke to her yesterday in order to persuade her to declare the Lady Elizabeth her heir. Her Majesty agreed; and the Council today will visit the Lady Elizabeth and inform her that the Queen is willing that she should succeed in the event of her own death, but that she asks two things of her: one, that she will maintain the old religion as the Queen has restored it; and the other that she will pay the Queen’s debts.

Christophe d’Assonleville, letter to King Philip of Spain, 7 November 1558

A member of the Kentish gentry, Sir Thomas Wyatt, tries to rally support for rebellion from the people of his county.

We write to you as friends, neighbours and Englishmen, concerning Queen Mary’s declared intention to marry a foreigner, and request you to join us to prevent this. We swear to you before God that we seek no harm to the Queen, but merely wish her better advice. Our wealth and health depend on it. A hundred armed Spaniards have already arrived at Dover and travelled through Kent on their way to London. We require you to assemble with as much support as possible, to help us protect liberty and the commonwealth.

Wyatt’s Proclamation, 1554

Having disregarded her Council’s advice to leave the capital for her own protection, Queen Mary addresses the citizens of London to rally their support against Wyatt’s approaching rebels.

At my coronation, when I was wedded to this realm, you promised to obey me. If a Prince may as earnestly love her subjects as a mother loves her child, then be sure that I, your lady and mistress, love and favour you as tenderly. Thus loving you, I must think that you love me as faithfully; so I am sure we shall speedily overthrow these rebels.

Mary I, Guildhall speech, 1 February 1554

The queen addresses the people of London outside the Guildhall as rebels led by Thomas Wyatt approach the city.

I come personally to tell you how traitorously and rebelliously a number of Kentish men have assembled against their sovereign and her subjects. They first pretended they opposed my marriage, but the Council have spoken to them again and it seems the marriage is merely a Spanish cloak to conceal their real purpose against our religion. My loving subjects, I am your Queen with the same royal rights as my father. You were always faithful and loving to him and therefore I do not doubt that you will be as faithful tome. I, being your lady and mistress, tenderly love and favour you in return.

Mary I, speech, 1 February 1554

The Imperial Ambassador reports to the Emperor Charles V on the situation in England at the start of Wyatt’s rebellion.

Wyatt’s men have rebelled in Kent, proclaiming that they will not consent to a foreign marriage and that every good Englishman ought to help them fight the Spaniards. Although the rebels use the foreign marriage as an excuse, like Carew, their real causes are religion and to favour Elizabeth. It is said that the rebellion is spreading. We hear news that the French and Scots are hastily fitting out ships and raising troops to aid the rebels. We hear the King of Denmark is joining in, hoping to marry Elizabeth to his son or brother.

Simon Renard, dispatch, 27 January 1554 

The French king outlines his plans concerning the marriage of Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain.

If you see that the Queen is resolved to marry the Prince of Spain and also that Courtenay has the will and means to upset the apple-cart, you may say confidently that I would not deny my favour either to him or to the other gentlemen who know the evil which the marriage could bring to the realm and would like to oppose it. Our chief aim must be to see that Courtenay and his supporters, if they see things going badly, do not let themselves be discovered and arrested. They have to deal only with a woman who is badly provided with good advice and men of ability.

Henry II of France to Noailles, his ambassador in England, 23 November 1553