Lecture Notes: The Story of Edward VI and Protestant England

Introduction

• Story of an alternative England: Radical, militarized, and Protestant.
• Focus on King Edward VI, who inherited the throne at nine.
• Henry VIII's long-awaited male heir after multiple marriages.

Early Life of Edward VI

• Born on October 12, 1537, at Hampton Court to Queen Jane Seymour.
• Celebrated christening with grandeur; tragedy as Queen Jane died shortly after.
• Raised among women, with little contact with royal parents.
• Painted as the heir in family paintings symbolizing power dynamics.

Education and Religious Influences

• Began education at six, instructed in scriptures, philosophy, and liberal sciences.
• Tutor Dr. Richard Cox, a Protestant, influenced Edward's faith.
• Edward developed strong anti-Papal sentiments, evident in his writings.

Ascension to the Throne

• Henry VIII died in 1547; Edward became king at nine.
• Coronation marked by Archbishop Cranmer's sermon promoting divine kingship.
• Edward's reign characterized by religious reforms.

Religious Reforms and Conflicts

• Efforts to transform religious practices from Catholic to Protestant.
• Destruction of Catholic imagery, introduction of English prayer book.
• Edward's personal commitment to Protestantism.

Political Challenges and Somerset's Rule

• Uncle Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, became Lord Protector.
• Power struggles within the council; Somerset eventually lost power.
• Edward asserted more control as he grew older.

Relationship with Mary and Religious Tension

• Conflict with half-sister Mary over Catholic practices.
• Edward's attempts to suppress Catholicism, leading to political tensions.
• Mary's defiance, supported by Charles V, threatened Edward's reforms.

Further Protestant Reforms

• 1552 Prayer Book solidified Protestant practices in England.
• Edward's ambition to create a modern Protestant state.

Edward's Maturity and Governance

• By 1550, Edward began taking more active governance roles.
• Implemented plans for economic and military modernization.

Edward's Illness and Succession Crisis

• Edward fell ill in 1553, prompting succession questions.
• Excluded half-sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, due to religious concerns.
• Named cousin Lady Jane Grey as heir in a last effort to secure Protestant England.

Legacy and Conclusion

• Edward VI died in 1553; his plans for Protestant succession failed.
• His death led to a brief Catholic resurgence under Mary I.

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• Story of Mary I and her efforts to restore Catholicism, leading to persecution of Protestants.