Charlie Fenton’s Reviews > Edward VI in a Nutshell > Status Update

‘seldom mentioned but significant clue is the fact his uncle, Arthur Tudor, and his half-brother, Henry Fitzroy, died of a nearly identical mystery ailment. It is unlikely that all three previously healthy teenage boys were struck down by pulmonary infections or re-activated tuberculosis. Instead, the similarity of their deaths would be more readily explained by a genetic, heritable factor heretofore unconsidered.’

‘Although it is historically popular to credit Northumberland with all manner of undue influence over the king, the historical evidence does not bear this out. Northumberland was a trusted and beloved councillor, but Edward was no man’s puppet. Edward’s journal, letters and participation in government paint an undeniable picture of a monarch who was completely aware of the intricacies of ruling’

‘Not only was Somerset failing as a military leader, he soon proved himself to be over his head when it came to ruling the country. He would swing back and forth between draconian measures and bribes to those he needed as allies, alienating even those he wished to charm. Somerset also issued contradictory proclamations - some tolerant and some intolerant of Catholicism’

‘The protector and the privy council made out like bandits in the few weeks between Henry VIII’s death and Edward VI’s coronation. Edward Seymour, already Earl of Hertford, became Duke of Somerset and inducted himself into the Order of the Garter. John Dudley moved up from lord admiral and Viscount Lisle to the Earl of Warwick, and was also appointed Great Chamberlain.’