What problems did the Edwardian government inherit at the death of Henry VIII? Factional rivalry and the Regency Council The rivalry and power struggles between different factions in Henry VIII’s Privy Council continued with the rule of Edward. Crown’s finances War against France and Scotland expensive. A large amount of monastic lands had to be sold off. Coinage Henry had debased the coinage which made inflation worse. This led to rebellions in Religion Official attitudes seemed confused. Henry had defended the Royal Supremacy and prevented more Protestant reforms. Likewise, traditional religious practises continued during the 1540s. Minority government This led to fears about a breakdown of law and order.

Why was the Duke of Somerset so unsuccessful in his attempts to deal with these problems? Foreign affairs Invasion of Scotland in Won the Battle of Pinkie but then decided to build and garrison forts. Failed to blockade the Firth of Forth which enabled the French to reinforce the Scots and Mary Queen of Scots was allowed to escape to France. This campaign cost £580,393. Meanwhile, he had to employ 7,000 mercenaries and face a possible French invasion in the summer of Crown’s finances £537,000 raised through more debasement of coins. More money raised through the dissolution of chantries. BUT did not cover the expenditure of the Crown. More land sales and borrowing covered this. Enclosure Should have agreed to the ‘restoration of the coinage’ but embarked on an investigation into enclosure. This delivered nothing and raised the hopes of the poor. Rebellions Caused by the above, inflation and poor harvests in Rioting broke out in many partso of the country. Large rebellions in Cornwall and Deveon in June 1549 (Western Rebellion) and in East Anglia in July 1549 (Kett)

Why was the Duke of Somerset so unsuccessful in his attempts to deal with these problems? Religion ‘Chaotic’ religions reforms (John Guy – historian). The Western Rebels listed the pace and extent of these reforms as a main grievance. Somerset’s personality Personalised style of government bypassing the Privy Council. This caused resentment. His inability to act decisively against the rebellions gave the excuse for his enemies to strike. John Guy: ‘His autocracy [absolute government by one person] – as much as his policies – provoked Warwick’s counter-coup.’

How close did England come to political and social collapse in 1549? Rebellion locations East Anglia and the South West Reasons for them Variety of reasons. Religious - Cornwall, Devon, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Yorkshire. Sheep tax – Cornwall. Abuses in local government, harshness of the Howards as landlords, fold-course abuses (anti-enclosure) – East Anglia. Common causes to all – inflation, Crown policy or weakness in its implementation. Duke of Somerset cannot escape some blame. How were the rebellions dealt with? Conciliation or force in most places. In East Anglia and the West matters got out of hand. Somerset had to delay until forces were available. Lord Russell supressed the Western Rebellion. The Earl of Warwick suppressed the Ket Rebellion.

How was the Earl of Warwick able to replace Somerset and establish himself in power? Opponents to Somerset Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, the Earl of Warwick, Sir William Paget, and Lord Russell. Why did they oppose him? Personal, failing to listen to his advise, and religious (e.g. Wriothesley). Most of all though, down Somerset’s failure to deal with the rebellions. 5 October proclamation (from Somerset) Summoned all loyal subjects to Hampton Court to protect the King and subjects and identified his enemies with those who were oppressing the poor. This forced his opponents to strike. They took control of the King and the Privy Chamber. Earl of Southampton’s counter coup Warwick was put in charge and he was a Protestant. Those who were conservative tried to remove him (and were led by Southampton). This counter-coup was overcome in February This meant that the Protestant reformers dominated the Privy Council.

How effective was government under the Duke of Northumberland? Administration He did not give himself the title ‘Lord Protector’ like Somerset did. He was careful to rule through the Council as Lord President of the Council. Re-established the Council’s functions to ensure it could run when he wasn’t there. After Somerset’s counter-coup in 1551, he got rid of any potential enemies and ruled more directly. Finance Ended the wars against Scotland and France. He did try to debase the coinage again but abandoned that quickly. Reorganising of the Crown’s finances given to William Cecil and Sir Walter Mildmay. Got revenue out of the Church and the King’s debtors. Also, adopted stricter accounting procedures in the revenue courts and they cut normal Crown expenditure. They also started a restructuring of financial administration, that didn’t come into force until Mary’s reign. These deflationary policies lowered prices so public disorder was less likely. Foreign Policy Treaty of Boulogne ended the expensive occupation of Boulogne (English since 1544). This saved money and also made £133,333. Also, the remaining Scottish garrisons were abandoned.

How effective was government under the Duke of Northumberland? Relationship with Edward VI Was the King able to influence policy (W.K.Jordan) or was he an ‘articulate puppet’ who followed state business but did not dictate it (Dale Hoak)? The Duke of Northumberland did control the Household and his own men were the gentlemen of the Privy Chamber who controlled access to the King. Change to the succession The King was persuaded to sign a ‘Dvise’ to alter the succession, which was confirmed by letters signed by the Council under the Great Seal. Northumberland’s daughter in law, Lady Jane Grey, was named as successor. He had the support of most of the Privy Council at this point. When the scale of popular support for Mary became apparent, they soon abandoned him. The failure of the ‘Devise’ was enough for him to be made a traitor.

What were the major religious changes introduced during the reign of Edward VI? Under Somerset – Protestant reforms Cautious move towards a more Protestant position. Act of Six Articles repealed. Heresy laws repealed. Act of Supremacy 1549 – required the first use of the Book of Common Prayer (it was in English but was a direct translation of the Catholic rites and the use of the Eucharist). Protestant refugees welcomed. Priests allowed to marry. Tolerance of publication of Protestant texts. No one executed only for religion. Anti-Catholic reforms Chantries dissolved in Combined with an attack on the doctrine of purgartory. January 1548 – several traditional religious practises banned (e.g. fasting at Lent). Febraury 1548 – destruction of stained-glass windows and images of saints. No more Elevation of the Host. Under Northumberland By 1550 there were several factors that made more reform possible. E.G. No need to impress Charles V anymore as there was now peace with the French. More reforms were introduced: 1550 altars removed and replaced by Communion tables Prayer Book enforced by the Act of Uniformity which included a Zwinglian (after Huldrych Zwingli) declaration about the Eucharist (‘Take this and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee’) – Cranmer proposed the Forty-Two Articles (although Edward died before they could be adopted). Plus, more planned attacks on the wealth of the Church (e.g. the plan to confiscate church bells and church plate).