Edwards Influence

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How much influence did Edward VI have in government?

Child Monarchs previous to Edward VI had experienced bad times as adult monarchs

The main historical source on character and opinions of Edward is his Chronicle- a diary which he started when he was 12 and wrote in almost everyday. The chronicle shows Edward as an able monarch who was well informed about government business. Originally produced for his tutors,, after May 1551, more clearly using own Chronicle for own initiative and pursuing own objectives. However, its hard to draw conclusions from chronicle as we cannot be entirely clear about why he was writing it and who the audience was meant to be.

Upbringing

inevitably as the only surviving male child, he was given the most protected upbringing, with no expense being spared.

Up to the age of 6, he was caed for by his nurse Mother Jack

Neither Anne of Cleves or Catherine Howard has much to do with him

Catherine Parr was the one who offered him maternal affection- he called her mum

Henry VIII had very traditional relationship with son- saw his infrequently and reports written by Edwards careers sent to Henrys ministers

Massive army of personal servants which includes physicians, surgeons, apothecaries, cooks, painters, scholars, and French tutor

Edward hardly alone- three gentlemen , five grooms present always- Never allowed to participate in contact sports such as jousting

Walls and floors of Edwards apartment were washed 3 time a day

Edwards Character

Interests included

- Studying Hundred Year War in relation to sources of revenue for campaign, different troops, final treaty articles

-Naturally Studious

-Enjoyed hunting, rackets, archery, horse riding

Personality

- Very serious child

-Only a few known examples of him laughing including Edward laughing when he saw tight rope walker slide down a rope on his chest

Relations with other

-Many examples of Edwards coldness towards others

Chronicle occludes mp reference to death of his grandmother

-Only warmth displayed was towards Barnaby Fitzpatrick

Health

-Wasn't a sickly child

- had a fever at four, smallpox at fourteen

-Good health until he got a chest infection in 1553 which turned into Septicaemia

Education

Formal education began in 1543

Mostly likely ended when he was fourteen in June 1552

Principal teachers were Richard Cox and Sir John Cheke

Both of these teachers were prominent humanists- with Coxe being a protestant

Exclusive palace school established with 14 boys including Henry Brandon, Robert Dudley, Barnaby Fitzpatrick

Edward massively devoted to his studies, where he spent several hours reading roman and greek classics, history, geography, while learning six foreign languages.

Coxe believed learning should be enjoyed

Groomed in good manners, fencing, horsemanship, rules of hunting

Had lessons on statescraft and government, William Thomas wrote Discourses for Edward on different topics such as religions and the economy

Gained encloypedia knowledge of main gentry and nobility

Edward possessed various ideas about what he would do if ruling

In relation to reforming the government. he recommended reorganisation of the privy council, while limiting their functions. This signifiys that Edward may have introduced reforms to administration

Foreign Affairs- diary entries show great interest in details of Habsburg- Valois Wars- hitting he may have led foreign expedition similar to his father.

Socially, financially and for religion, Edward had ideas of how to improve England - SHOWING he possessed capability to rule

28th January 1547- Accession of Edward at age of 9

31st January 1547- Edward Seymour made Lord Protector

21st March 1547- Somerset made Protector until Edward was eighteen

1547-1549

Duke of Somerset ignored Henrys intentions that the country should be ruled by a regency council and had made himself Lord Protector by the council

Somerset was extremely strict with his nephew- shown by his reduction of the number of servants in Edwards household

Somerset ruled by the dry stamp & proclamations

Somerset had assumed autocratic control of the government and alienated the other members of the court

Edward complained of lack of pocket money

During the time 1547-1549-Edward has virtually no direct involvement in politics

Autumn 1549- Somerset was losing his grip on power retreating to Windsor Castle with Edward

Edward didn't like his surroundings- accused Somerset of threatening to create riots if he was overthrown

Somerset's fall from power was swift and unpreventable.

1550-1553

A combination of Somerset's fall, change in personnel at the top of government, and Edwards growing maturity lead to Edward assuming a more significant role in government after 1549

By August 1551 Edward was attending some privy council meetings

November 1552- was attending meetings regularly and setting agendas

By November 1552 taking the lead in some business and had own clear thought out views on pressing matters of the day

Due to advanced performance- council announced in spring 1552 Edward would reach majority age at age 16

Mid 1552- more practise than lessons to learn his political skills

Edward vastly used sources beyond normal flow of info to council

Cultivating links with foreign ambassadors- independent users of secretatries

Northumberland was very careful to make sure Edward was consulted and involved in government

Highlighted this different title of Lord President of the Council

Overall Northumberland still possessed control and limited aspects of government which Edward could be involved in, with foreign policy remaining out of bounds

Northumberland manipulated where he could, placing own men around the King

Edward known views were circumscribed by Northumberland

To understood influence Edward VI had

- Look at who had control of power- Northumberland and Somerset

- Look at Edwards development throughout his reign from 9 till nearly sixteen

Very well equipped to rule through upbringing, education,character, training

Fall of Somerset allowed Edward to increase his role in government

Potential for adult reign would have been great for Edward