Charlie Fenton’s Reviews > Tudor King in All But Name > Status Update

‘Fratricide was seen by many as an unnatural act, and his part in the affair damaged Somerset’s reputation. He may not have participated in the final vote in Parliament but he, too, held responsibility for his brother’s death. He wielded more power than any other man in England and could have stopped the proceedings or at least ensured that Thomas was not charged with treason.’

‘Somerset and his wife were the recipients of numerous book dedications, many from the reformers. Somerset received dedications in twenty-four books and manuscripts, a similar number to that made to the king during the same period, and the duchess received seven.‘

‘He was no longer to hold the position until Edward reached the age of 18 but only during the king’s ‘pleasure’. While this opened up the possibility of Somerset continuing to govern after the king reached his majority, it is unlikely that he asked for this amendment since it also presented the opportunity for him to be removed from the Protectorate early.’

‘The injunctions had enabled Somerset and the council to legalise selective destruction of images and in early September van der Delft reported their removal from churches all over London. Many men needed little encouragement to rid their churches of idolatry. However, in some places the removal and destruction led to disputes about what constituted abuse of an image.’

‘For the next five years, with no opportunities to prove his worth, his progress at court slowed. Following his sister’s death he was described by one correspondent as ‘young and wise, of small power’ but he was still considered to be a man of influence and some people went to great lengths to maintain a friendship with him.’

‘Edward Seymour’s future looked assured - his sister was Queen of England and he was related to Henry VIII. Just a week after the marriage he received his greatest recognition so far when he was created Viscount Beauchamp of Hache in Somerset, granted for service ‘done and to be done; as also of his circumspection, valour and loyalty’.’