History of Edward VI of England

Edward VI, born on October 12, 1537, was the only legitimate son of King Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. Although he became King of England at the tender age of nine, following the death of his father in 1547, his reign was marked not just by its brevity—lasting only six years until his death in 1553—but by significant political and religious upheavals. His era is often characterized by the Protestant Reformation’s radical advancement in England, driven largely by those who governed on his behalf.

### Regency and Political Context

Edward's minority meant he could not rule directly, leading to the establishment of a regency council as outlined in Henry VIII's will. The council was initially composed of 16 executors who were to govern collectively. Quickly, however, Edward's uncle, Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, emerged as the dominant figure and was declared Lord Protector of the Realm.

Somerset's rule was characterized by attempts at consolidating power and asserting reformist religious policies. As Supreme Head of the Church of England, Edward VI, even as a minor, represented the theological shift away from Catholic orthodoxy towards Protestant ideals. This period saw the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer in 1549, a seminal document for the English Reformation, marking a movement towards a uniform Protestant liturgy. The enforcement of these changes led to uprisings, such as the Western Rebellion, revealing the deep social and religious divides within England.

### Economic and Social Challenges

Politically, the period was fraught with economic issues. Debasement of the coinage had left England in financial disarray by the end of Henry VIII's reign, which was exacerbated during Edward's time. The resulting inflation and social distress, compounded by poor harvests and the economic impact of continued warfare with Scotland and France, presented significant challenges for the regency.

Somerset attempted several social reforms, but his efforts were largely seen as ineffective. His policies inadvertently encouraged enclosures, which displaced many farmers, exacerbating social unrest. This discontent brewed into widespread revolt, such as Kett’s Rebellion in 1549, illustrating the tenuous hold the government had over the population.

### Fall of Somerset and Rise of the Duke of Northumberland

As national unrest grew and his popularity declined, Somerset's influence waned. A coup led by John Dudley, Earl of Warwick, resulted in Somerset’s arrest in 1549. By 1550, Dudley emerged as the new leader, assuming the title Duke of Northumberland. His governance marked a more pragmatic approach, focused on stabilizing the economy and consolidating power among the ruling elite. Northumberland pursued aggressive financial reforms and negotiated peace treaties, notably ending the costly war with Scotland, signaling a shift towards internal consolidation and away from foreign entanglement.

Northumberland’s control of the council allowed him to dictate policy and further the Protestant cause, with the young king’s support. He continued the Protestant reforms initiated under Somerset, albeit with a more politically cautious approach to avoid unnecessary incitement of either Catholic or conservative elements. His tenure represents a crucial period in the establishment of Protestantism as state religion.

### Succession Crisis

As Edward VI’s health began to fail, a major political crisis loomed—who would succeed him? The Succession Act of 1544 restored Henry VIII’s daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, to the line of succession after Edward. However, both daughters posed problems for the staunchly Protestant regime, particularly Mary, a Catholic.

To prevent Mary from ascending the throne, Northumberland and others orchestrated a new plan, convincing Edward to alter the succession. The “Devise for the Succession” drafted by Edward and Northumberland bypassed his half-sisters, placing Lady Jane Grey, a Protestant and Northumberland’s daughter-in-law, in Edward’s place. This document was an attempt to secure the Protestant reformation’s gains.

### Edward VI’s Death and Its Aftermath

Edward VI died on July 6, 1553, at the age of 15. Shortly after his death, Jane Grey was proclaimed queen. However, her reign lasted a mere nine days. Mary, with significant popular and political support, claimed the throne, deposing Jane and executing Northumberland.

Mary’s accession as Mary I of England marked a radical reversal of Edward’s Protestant policies. She attempted to re-establish Catholicism, earning the moniker “Bloody Mary” for her persecution of Protestants. While Mary’s reign saw a temporary setback in the Protestant Reformation, Edward VI’s legacy endured as his successors, notably Elizabeth I, reinstated many of Edward’s reforms, solidifying Protestantism's foundation in England.

### Conclusion

Edward VI’s reign, though short and largely conducted under the thumb of ambitious regents, was a defining period in the political and religious transformation of England. The political machinations around his succession crisis reveal the intense factionalism and precariousness of the Tudor dynasty’s rule during this era. Edward’s reign laid the groundwork for England’s lasting religious transformation, setting the stage for Elizabethan England and beyond, despite his untimely death. His legacy is a testament to the profound impact of political and religious reform on shaping national identity and governance.