How far, in the years 1547 to 1569, did concerns over the succession threaten the stability of England?

Paragraph 1: The Edwardian Succession Crisis and Northumberland’s Attempted Coup (1547–1553)

Point: Concerns over the royal succession during Edward VI’s reign significantly threatened England’s political stability, especially towards the end of his life.
Explanation: With Edward's declining health in 1553 and no legitimate male heir to continue Protestant reform, the succession became a central point of anxiety. The crisis culminated in Northumberland’s attempt to alter the line of succession.
Evidence: Northumberland promoted Lady Jane Grey (his daughter-in-law) to the throne, bypassing Mary and Elizabeth, despite the Third Succession Act (1543) reinstating both. Edward VI's “Device for the Succession” sought to ensure a Protestant heir but lacked widespread support. Jane ruled for just nine days before Mary seized power with little resistance.
Historical Concepts:

  • Turning Point: Northumberland’s coup was a pivotal moment that highlighted the instability caused by succession disputes.

  • Cause and Consequence: The succession crisis directly caused political unrest, a brief constitutional crisis, and led to Northumberland’s execution.

  • Continuity: Factional struggles over succession mirrored earlier disputes in Henry VIII’s reign.

Paragraph 2: Mary I’s Marriage and Wyatt’s Rebellion (1554)

Point: Concerns over Mary I’s marriage to Philip of Spain caused public and elite anxiety about the succession and the future of English sovereignty, destabilizing the regime.
Explanation: Fears that Philip would dominate English politics and enforce Catholic succession triggered resistance. The absence of a clear Protestant successor further intensified fears.
Evidence: Wyatt’s Rebellion (1554) was largely driven by opposition to the marriage and fears of a foreign Catholic dynasty. Although the rebellion failed, it reached the gates of London, and Mary used it to eliminate rivals and consolidate power. Elizabeth was imprisoned due to fears she might become a Protestant figurehead.
Historical Concepts:

  • Cause and Consequence: The rebellion was a direct consequence of succession fears and led to increased authoritarianism in Mary’s reign.

  • Similarity and Difference: Unlike the Edwardian crisis, this challenge had more public backing and was rooted in nationalistic and religious concerns, rather than elite factionalism alone.

  • Short-term Instability: While short-lived, Wyatt’s Rebellion marked a serious challenge to the regime’s legitimacy.

Paragraph 3: Elizabeth I’s Succession and Parliamentary Pressure (1558–1569)

Point: Though Elizabeth I’s early reign did not witness armed rebellion over succession, uncertainty over her heir created ongoing political instability and factional tension.
Explanation: Elizabeth refused to name a successor or marry, leading to deep concerns within Parliament and the Privy Council. This raised fears of civil war or foreign intervention upon her death.
Evidence: The 1563 and 1566 Parliaments repeatedly pressured Elizabeth to marry or name an heir. She shut down these debates, asserting royal prerogative. Factionalism increased, with figures like Cecil and Leicester divided over potential matches. Catholic plots, like the Ridolfi Plot (1571, slightly after 1569), started to emerge due to the uncertain succession and Mary Queen of Scots’ presence in England.
Historical Concepts:

  • Continuity: Succession anxiety persisted across all Tudor monarchs.

  • Long-term Instability: The lack of a named successor under Elizabeth created a climate of uncertainty that persisted well into the 1570s.

  • Similarity and Difference: Unlike previous reigns, succession instability here was managed through strong personal monarchy and political manipulation rather than open violence.