13-Edward VI, Somerset and Northumber

Overview of Edward VI’s Government

Who was mostly in charge under Edward?

  • The Seymours: Led by Somerset.

  • The Dudleys: Led by Northumberland.

Name of the Council in charge:

  • The Regency Council.

Key Relationships to Edward VI:

  • Duke of Somerset: Edward Seymour, Jane Seymour’s brother, was Edward’s uncle.

  • Duke of Northumberland: John Dudley, son of Edmund Dudley, Earl of Warwick, later Duke of Northumberland.

The Regency Council

  • Structure:

    • 16 members, supported by an additional 12 advisors as needed.

    • Decisions required a majority vote.

    • Balanced between Protestants (e.g., Hertford, Cranmer, and Sir Anthony Denny) and religious conservatives (e.g., Wriothesley and Lord St. John).

    • Included several administrators and lawyers but lacked strong representation from noble families.

  • Effectiveness:

    • Did not last long as power was delegated to Edward Seymour (Hertford), who became Protector.

Relevance of Cranmer’s Homily on Obedience (1547):

  • Reinforced the idea that obedience to the king was God’s will.

  • Clergy were instructed to preach this to their congregations, equating disobedience to a mortal sin.

Somerset’s Rule (1547–1549)

Rise to Power:

  • Ignored Henry VIII’s intention for a Regency Council and made himself Lord Protector with the Council’s support.

  • Relied on key figures like Archbishop Cranmer, John Dudley, and Sir William Paget.

  • Rewarded himself and supporters with peerage promotions and Crown land grants.

Style of Government:

  • Governed primarily with members of his household, notably Sir Michael Stanhope as Chief Gentleman of the Privy Chamber.

  • Used the dry stamp and proclamations to rule.

  • Based his operations at his house rather than the royal court.

  • Alienated other members of the court by assuming autocratic control.

Challenges and Failures:

  1. Resentment from the Privy Council:

    • Arrested the Earl of Southampton early in his rule.

    • Widespread fear of lawlessness under his Protectorate.

  2. Factional Rivalries:

    • His brother, Thomas Seymour, plotted against him and turned Edward VI against him. Thomas Seymour was executed after being betrayed by Southampton.

  3. Policy Failures:

    • Poor handling of foreign policy, particularly with Scotland.

    • Mishandled rebellions in 1549.

  4. Loss of Support:

    • His dictatorial manner created enemies, including the Earl of Warwick (later Northumberland).

Downfall:

  • By Autumn 1549, Somerset’s grip on power weakened.

  • Fled to Windsor Castle, taking Edward with him. Edward complained about the conditions, saying he felt like a prisoner.

  • Somerset was further condemned when Edward revealed he threatened riots if overthrown.

  • Somerset was removed from power swiftly.

Northumberland’s Rule (1550–1553)

Rise to Power:

  • Anxious to avoid the mistakes of Somerset, he avoided creating another Protectorate.

  • Took the title Lord President of the Council, reflecting the reduced role of a Regent.

  • Consolidated power by packing the Privy Council with supporters and placing his allies, like Sir John Gates, in key positions.

Style of Government:

  • Initially operated through the Privy Council, implementing guidelines by Paget for more effective governance.

  • Placed increased emphasis on consulting Edward VI and involving him in decisions. Edward, by 1552, was skilled in politics and cultivated foreign ambassador relationships.

Key Actions:

  1. Management of Opposition:

    • Executed Somerset after his failed counter-coup.

    • Paget was sent to the Tower, and suspected enemies were removed from the Council.

    • Northumberland and Gates controlled the dry stamp, giving them authority to act in the king’s name.

  2. Collective Leadership Transition:

    • Began with a more collective approach but became less conciliar after Somerset’s plotting.

Religious Policies:

  • Increased Protestant reform in line with Edward’s wishes.

Succession Crisis:

  • Attempted to alter the succession to favor Lady Jane Grey (his daughter-in-law) over Mary Tudor.

  • This effort damaged his reputation despite stabilizing the government.

Key Events Timeline

  • 1547: Regency Council established; Somerset becomes Protector.

  • Autumn 1549: Somerset retreats to Windsor Castle; removed from power.

  • 1550: Northumberland becomes Lord President of the Council.

  • 1552: Somerset executed.

  • 1553: Northumberland attempts to change the succession; Edward VI dies in July.