Edward's Inheritance General

Question 1

What three key strategies did Henry employ to ensure Edward wouldn’t be usurped?

Answer 1

1. he would be crowned shortly after accession
2. government placed in hands of balanced Privy Council
3. tutors would be Protestant to ensure the separation

Question 2

Even without tensions between conservative and reformist factions, what was doubtful?

Answer 2

• whether a Regency Council of 16 could have governed the country successfully

Question 3

What reason did Somerset argue that he took the position of Lord Protector?

Answer 3

• for “the better conduct of business”

Question 4

What factors contributed to Somerset being able to secure power and the reformist faction’s ability to control the council?

Answer 4

• weakness of the conservative faction (Norfolk’s disgrace and the Earl of Surrey’s execution)
• Somerset’s personality
• support of William Paget
• need for strong military leadership

Question 5

At Edward’s coronation, what did Cranmer preach?

Answer 5

• sermon drawing similarities between Ed’s reign and that of King Josiah, his purpose was to rebuild and purify the Church as a new Jerusalem

Question 6

What examples would suggest Edward was an erudite and clever child?

Answer 6

• his plans for the economic development of England would have established a form of bureaucracy not developed until the 19th century
• he wrote detailed accounts of state affairs

Question 7

Why was having 16 on the privy council a bad idea?

Answer 7

• members in it were too pre-occupied with advancing their own individual power bases as opposed to ruling on behalf of Edward

Question 8

What evidence is there that Edward was a confirmed Protestant with a Protestant agenda?

Answer 8

• of the 22 known royal preachers, 20 = reforming bishops/ evangelical preachers
• early 1547: Compline sung in English to show Protestant support
• drafted French treaties against Papal Supremacy during his study and his vehement language had to be toned down by tutor

Question 9

Where was Edward christened?

Answer 9

• Hampton Court

Question 10

What kind of character was Richard Cox?

Answer 10

• arrogant and dogmatic

Question 11

What shows that Edward was influencing government?

Answer 11

• he suggested improvements to Henry’s fortifications
• he wrote directly about Protestant reforms
• he planned to establish a strong textiles market