Edward VI: Character, Succession Challenges, and Regency Issues

The Reign of Edward VI, 1547-1553

His mother died only twelve days after giving birth to him**.** Jane Seymour was the only queen consort who gave birth to a son. This meant Edward VI was the only male Tudor heir of his generation. The people welcomed the birth of the prince "whom we hungered for so long" with triumph.

Succession to the Throne

• Character and aims
• Issues of his age
• Rise of factions

Somerset's Protectorate

• Accomplishments and policies
• Western and Kett's Rebellion

Northumberland's Protectorate

• Accomplishments and policies
• The Devise for the Succession in 1553

English Reformation

• Religious legislation and changes

Family Tree of Edward VI

Character and Aims

The young prince also learned how to sing and play the lute. His religious upbringing favoured the reforming agenda and was probably established by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Whilst it is commonly believed that Edward was a frail, unhealthy boy, he was actually in good health, robust and athletic, with a keen interest in Greek, Latin, French and theology. Apart from suffering from quartan fever in 1541 and measles in 1552, he generally grew up to become a healthy teen. He was fascinated by the sources of revenues for campaigns and his interests included hunting, rackets, archery and horse riding. He was a serious child who displayed coldness towards others.

Prince Edward in 1538

What would Edward VI's aims be as king?

When Henry VIII died in 1547, Edward VI ascended the throne at only nine years old. Whilst his short reign was guided by a Regency Council, his diary provided a glimpse of what Edward VI's aims would be. Some of the contents in his diary were related to:

Succession and Issues with Edward VI's Age

Monarchs who came to the throne at a young age:

The executors had sworn before Edward VI. Henry VIII wanted to avoid naming one Protector to rule the country and believed that a Regency Council would be efficient such as his Privy Council had been. However, the executors urged for the election of an individual head to oversee the powers of the committee. From 1547 to 1550, Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, was the Lord Protector of the Realm.

The Council of Regency Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Wriothesley, Lord Chancellor Lord St. John, Great Master Earl of Hertford, Great Chamberlain, and uncle to the young king Lord Russell, Privy Seal Viscount Lisle, High admiral Tunstall, Bishop of Durham Sir Anthony Brown, Master of the Horse Sir Edward Montague, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas Sir Edward North, Chancellor of the Court of Augmentations Sir William Paget, Chief Secretary Sir Anthony Denny, and Sir William Herbert, Chief Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber Sir Edward Wotton, Treasurer of Calais Dr. Wotton, Dean of Canterbury and York

As Henry VIII lay dying, his will was changed to give the Regency Council 'full power and authority' to make decisions necessary to the government of the realm. The 'unfulfilled gifts' clause was also added to the will, allowing the executors to make gifts after Henry's death which he had granted, made or promised. Whilst the succession of Edward VI was not criticised by the council, it became clear that having a minor on the throne could subject the royal court to manipulation.

Edward VI and his council

The position of Lord Protector of the Realm was later held by John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland from 1550 until the end of Edward VI's reign.