England, 1485–1603 – Instability and consolidation: 'the Mid-Tudor…

The idea

Edward VI’s minority reign (1547–1553) challenged royal authority, necessitating rule by a Regency Council. Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, seized control as Lord Protector, but his autocratic style and policy failures led to his 1549 downfall. John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, replaced him, restoring conciliar government and stabilising finances. Royal authority was severely tested by the 1553 succession crisis, when Edward attempted to bypass Mary Tudor for Lady Jane Grey via the 'Devise for the Succession'. Foreign relations were dominated by Somerset's costly 'Rough Wooing' of Scotland, provoking French intervention. This contrasts with Northumberland’s pragmatic Treaty of Boulogne (1550), which ended wars with France and Scotland to reduce crown debt.

What earns the marks

• Evaluate the contrasting governing styles of Somerset (autocratic, bypassing the Council) and Northumberland (conciliar, working through the Privy Council).
• Assess the impact of a minor on the throne on the perception and exercise of royal authority.
• Analyse the motivations and failure of the 1553 'Devise for the Succession' and the attempt to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne.
• Compare the foreign policy aims and outcomes of Somerset (aggressive Scottish policy, Battle of Pinkie) and Northumberland (peace-oriented, Treaty of Boulogne).

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming Edward VI had no personal influence over government.

  Put it right: Recognise that as Edward grew older, particularly under Northumberland, his personal involvement in policy, especially religion, increased.

• Viewing Northumberland solely as a 'bad duke' who ruined England.

  Put it right: Acknowledge Northumberland's administrative and financial reforms that stabilised the crown's position after Somerset's disastrous tenure.

• Stating the 'Devise for the Succession' was entirely Northumberland's idea.

  Put it right: Note that Edward VI was the primary driving force behind the Devise to protect the Protestant religion.

Exam tips

• When evaluating the 'Mid-Tudor Crisis', explicitly weigh the severity of the 1553 succession crisis against the stability maintained by the Privy Council.
• Contrast Somerset's and Northumberland's foreign policies by focusing on their financial implications for the crown.
• Use specific evidence, such as the Treaty of Boulogne or the Battle of Pinkie, to support arguments about the success or failure of foreign relations.