Edward VI
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 1.1.3
Edward VI
Edward VI ascended to the throne when he was nine years old. Because he was too young to rule, England was led by a Regency Council.
Protectors
- As a minor, Edward VI’s government was run first by Lord Protector Somerset and then by Lord President of the Council Northumberland.
- Edward VI’s influence in government increased greatly under Northumberland.
- Edward VI and Northumberland tried to alter the succession set out by Henry VIII. The ‘Devise’ is in Edward’s hand.
Edward's personality
- Edward was serious, studious (interested in political and military history) and a committed Protestant. He was self-disciplined in public and aware of his status.
- He was cold towards others, suspicious and could be vindictive. He did have a close childhood friend, Barnaby Fitzpatrick (his whipping boy).
- He was healthy until 1553, enjoying sport, hunting and horse riding.
Edward VI's approach to government
- It is difficult to tell how much influence Edward VI had in governing the kingdom.
- Although Edward VI was young, some historians have argued that he began to have considerable influence in the later years of his reign.
- Edward VI appeared to take a keen interest in the shape of England's religious settlement.
Popular attitudes to Edward VI (Somerset, Northumberland)
- Somerset faced rebellions and uprisings across England in 1549.
- Jordan (1968): People at the time spoke of Somerset as the ‘Good Duke.’ This was due to his social policies.
- Northumberland helped stabilise the English economy. His coup against Somerset and the Lady Jane Grey plot means historians have viewed him badly.
- Hoskins (1976): Northumberland was ‘unprincipled’ and a political ‘predator’.
Test yourself on Edward VI
What did Edward VI and Northumberland write to alter the line of succession?