Edward VI, a pivotal figure in the tumultuous Tudor era, was born on October 12, 1537, a much-anticipated son for King Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. Tragically, his mother died shortly after his birth, a loss that profoundly shaped his early life. Edward was unique among English monarchs, being the first to be raised unequivocally as a Protestant, a upbringing that would deeply influence the religious landscape of England during his brief reign. He ascended to the throne as King of England and Ireland on January 28, 1547, following his father’s death, and was formally crowned on February 20, 1547, at the tender age of nine. His youth meant that England would be governed by a powerful regency council, as he never lived long enough to rule in his own right.

During these formative years of Edward's monarchy, real power resided with a succession of influential figures. Initially, his uncle, Edward Seymour, the 1st Duke of Somerset, served as Lord Protector from 1547 to 1549, effectively ruling the realm. Somerset's tenure, however, was marked by political missteps and a growing unpopularity, leading to his downfall. He was succeeded by the ambitious John Dudley, 1st Earl of Warwick, who would later become the Duke of Northumberland in 1551. Dudley held the reins of power from 1550 until Edward's death in 1553, consolidating his authority and pushing forward a more radical Protestant agenda.

A Reign of Challenges and Religious Upheaval

Edward’s reign, though short, was far from tranquil. It was a period fraught with significant economic problems, including inflation and the enclosure of common lands, which fuelled widespread social unrest. These tensions boiled over in 1549 with a series of riots and rebellions across the country, most notably Kett's Rebellion in Norfolk and the Prayer Book Rebellion in the West Country, underscoring the deep divisions within society. The young king also inherited an expensive and initially successful war with Scotland, known as the "Rough Wooing," a campaign designed to force a marriage between Edward and the young Mary, Queen of Scots. However, the costs proved unsustainable, leading to a military withdrawal from Scotland and the return of Boulogne-sur-Mer to France in exchange for peace.

Yet, it was in the realm of religion that Edward VI left his most indelible mark. With his deeply ingrained Protestant convictions, the King took a personal and keen interest in religious matters. While his father, Henry VIII, had famously severed England’s ties with Rome, he had largely maintained Catholic doctrine and ceremony. Edward, however, presided over the decisive transformation of the Church of England into a recognisably Protestant body. This era saw the establishment of Protestantism in England for the first time, with sweeping reforms that included the abolition of clerical celibacy, the removal of the Latin Mass, and the mandatory use of English-language services, most notably through the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer. Churches were stripped of their traditional Catholic imagery, altars were replaced with communion tables, and a new theological direction was firmly set.

The Succession Crisis and a Brief Legacy

In February 1553, the young king, just fifteen years old, fell gravely ill. His condition, likely tuberculosis, rapidly deteriorated, and it became clear his sickness was terminal. Faced with the prospect of his Catholic half-sister Mary ascending to the throne and potentially reversing all his hard-won Protestant reforms, Edward, in conjunction with his council, drew up a "Devise for the Succession." This bold and controversial plan aimed to alter the line of succession established by his father. Edward named his first cousin once removed, Lady Jane Grey, a devout Protestant, as his heir, explicitly excluding his half-sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, from the throne.

Edward VI died on July 6, 1553. The "Devise" immediately plunged England into a profound succession crisis. Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed queen, but her reign lasted a mere nine days before the overwhelming support for Mary, Henry VIII's eldest daughter, led to Jane's swift deposition. Mary I, a staunch Catholic, subsequently reversed many of Edward’s Protestant reforms during her own reign, attempting to restore England to Roman Catholicism. However, upon Elizabeth I’s ascension in 1558, many of Edward’s Protestant changes were reinstated and solidified, ensuring his legacy as the king who truly established Protestantism in England, even if his vision for the succession ultimately failed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edward VI

Who was Edward VI?

Edward VI was the only son of King Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, and he reigned as King of England and Ireland from 1547 until his death in 1553.

When was Edward VI born and when did he die?

He was born on October 12, 1537, and passed away on July 6, 1553.

How old was Edward VI when he became king?

Edward VI was just nine years old when he became King of England and Ireland.

Why was Edward VI's reign significant?

His reign was crucial for the English Reformation, as it saw the first establishment of Protestantism in England with significant reforms, including the abolition of the Mass and the introduction of English-language services like the Book of Common Prayer. He was also the first English monarch raised as a Protestant.

Who governed England during Edward VI's minority?

England was governed by a regency council, initially led by his uncle Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, and later by John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland.

What was the "Devise for the Succession"?

The "Devise for the Succession" was a document created by Edward VI and his council in 1553 to alter the royal succession. It named Lady Jane Grey as his heir, excluding his Catholic half-sister Mary, to ensure England remained Protestant after his death.

What was the outcome of the "Devise for the Succession"?

After Edward's death, Lady Jane Grey was briefly proclaimed queen but was deposed by Mary I nine days later, leading to Mary's ascension to the throne.

What was Edward VI's relationship with the Protestant Reformation?

As a devout Protestant, Edward VI actively supported and oversaw the implementation of significant Protestant reforms in the Church of England, moving it much further away from Catholicism than his father had. He took great personal interest in the religious transformation of the realm.