The Death and Short Reign of Edward VI: A Tragic Tudor Tale
Background
- Edward VI
- Born on October 12, 1537.
- Son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour.
- Celebrated as the long-awaited male heir.
- Jane Seymour died shortly after his birth due to postnatal complications.
- Henry VIII's Goals
- Desired a male heir to continue the Tudor lineage.
- Signed the Treaty of Greenwich in 1543 aiming to unite Scotland and England through Edward's betrothal to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Edward VI's Reign
- Ascension to the Throne
- Became king at 9 years old after Henry VIII's death.
- Crowned at Westminster Abbey.
- Ruled under the guidance of a Regency Council led by Edward Seymour, the Lord Protector.
- Religious Changes
- His reign marked further Protestant reforms.
- Minimal personal impact as the council executed decisions.
Health Concerns
- Early Life
- Described as healthy, tall, and positive.
- Suffered from poor eyesight, used glasses, and was partially deaf.
- Survived quartan fever (malaria) and received a stellar education.
- Illnesses
- 1550: Forced to bed rest due to mysterious illness.
- 1552: Contracted measles and smallpox.
- December 1552: Showed severe illness, possibly tuberculosis.
Decline and Death
- Final Days
- February 15, 1553: Seriously ill with fever and cough.
- March 1553: Condition worsened, bedridden, and moved to Greenwich Palace.
- Symptoms included coughing blood, weight loss, ulcers, and body sores.
- June 1553: Amended succession to favor his cousin, Lady Jane Grey.
- Death
- Died on July 6, 1553, at the age of 15.
- Final words: "I am faint, Lord have mercy upon me and take my spirit."
Postmortem and Burial
- Autopsy Findings
- Lung condition, likely tuberculosis (TB), confirmed as cause of death.
- Suffered from lung ulcers and possibly septicemia.
- Burial
- Buried on August 8, 1553, at Westminster Abbey.
- Initially in an unmarked grave, later given a gravestone and memorial.
Aftermath
- Succession
- Lady Jane Grey's brief 9-day reign followed Edward's death.
- Mary I, "Bloody Mary," succeeded and reversed Protestant reforms.
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