Section: Edward VI, Somerset and Northumberland | 13. Instability and consolidation: 'the mid-Tudor Crisis'. 1547-63

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Main course page

Edward VI, Somerset and Northumberland
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You need to know about the roles and importance of Edward VI, Somerset and Northumberland.

You need to understand the weaknesses and strengths of royal authority during the reign of Edward VI.

You should have a clear understanding of the problems of the succession and how relations with foreign powers evolved.
- Commentary
  
  Many revisionist historians such as Loades have now refuted the traditional view of history provided by luminaries like More of a period of crisis presided over by two minor Tudors. This view, bolstered by the focus on Henry VIII and Elizabeth is now hotly contested by depth studies on Edward VI and Mary from leading revisionists. Dale Hoak has rehabilitated the reputation of the Duke of Northumberland, whilst the traditional 'good Duke', Somerset, has endured a much more critical scrutiny. Eschewing the traditional Protestant bias, Mary's reign is now seen as an essential preparation for the successes of Elizabeth. As Loades has said, with the stability of state institutions throughout thus period, 'Crisis? What crisis?'.
- Commentary: Instability and consolidation Page
- Mid-Tudor Crisis examined. File
  
  History with Hilbert examines the idea of a Mid-Tudor Crisis. Very good.
- Development of government in the Mid-Tudor crisis File
  
  Useful analysis of relative development of government under Somerset and Northumberland.
- Commentary: Somerset's problems in government Page
- Key measures taken under Somerset File
  
  Some very useful facts and statistics here. Please read and ensure you know this material.
- The key characters.... File
  
  Paget, Gardiner and Mildmay… Don't know who they are? You need to read this.
- Edward and Mary, the Unknown Tudors 01 EDWARD VI The Boy King File
- Edward and Mary 2of2 File
- Battle of Pinkie Sam T File