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- "They say the King is better but it is a lie. For two weeks now he has not been seen in public, then came news that he had recovered and Mother insisted I accompany her to Court. As soon as he tried to speak Edward began to cough. He held a handkerchief to his mouth and when he took it away I saw that it was spotted with blood."
- —Lady Jane Grey[4]
Edward VI (12 October 1537 – 6 July 1553) was the King of England from 1547 to 1553. He was the son of Henry VIII with his third wife, Jane Seymour, whom died a week after giving him birth. Edward named his cousin, Lady Jane Grey as his successor shortly before his death to circumvent his Catholic sister Mary becoming queen.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Edward was born on 12 October 1537.[1] His parents were King Henry VIII of England and his third wife, Jane Seymour. She died just over a week later of childbed fever. Edward had two half-sisters from his father's previous marriages, Mary and Elizabeth. The King reassigned Elizabeth's nurse, Lady Bryan, to Edward whom was given his own residence, Havering in Essex, at only six months old. Henry was frightened of Edward catching an illness and kept his secluded from the public.[5]
The King married Anne of Cleves in 1540, before having the marriage annulled to marry Catherine Howard the same year. Catherine Howard was executed in 1542.
1543 – 1547[]
In 1543, Edward was betrothed to his cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots through the Treaty of Greenwich, an agreement that the Scots later broke. His father married his final wife, Catherine Parr, in July. At age six, Henry arranged for Edward to receive his education through Richard Cox. Barnaby Fitzpatrick was also brought to court to be Edward's whipping boy. The boys became close friends, despite the circumstances. For his sister Elizabeth's birthday in 1544, Edward gave her monkey, whom she named Memo. He had his own, Hotspur, and they enjoyed teaching them tricks together. Edward and Elizabeth also often spent time with Robert "Robin" Dudley and their cousin Lady Jane Grey.
In late October 1544, the children began restoring the roses together at Whitehall Palace. Edward became possessive of a particular corner of roses, believing his mother had planted them. Later that year, Edward received a new tutor, John Cheke. In March 1545, Edward became gravely ill for several days before recovering. Edward and the other children were sent away a couple months later due to the King's fear of a possible French invasion. After the following Christmas, Edward was sent to Hertford after the Duchess of Lexford was poisoned. The children were reunited a few months later. In 1546, King Henry's health began to decline more rapidly. He passed away on 28 January 1547, but Edward and Elizabeth were not informed for two days.
1547 – 1553[]
Edward inherited the throne of England at the age of nine. His uncle, Edward Seymour, was appointed the Lord Protector to serve as Edward's regent. Edward's other uncle, Thomas Seymour, soon began bribing the young king through John Fowler. Thomas went on to marry Edward's stepmother, Catherine Parr, in April 1547. The Lord Protector and his wife were angry at Thomas and Catherine for marrying, and they barred the couple from seeing Edward as a consequence. Edward was deeply saddened by Catherine's death in September 1548. His uncle Thomas was arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap him in January 1549. Edward reluctantly signed his death warrant a few months later.
In October 1549, Edward was taken to Windsor by his uncle Edward, claiming it was for his safety. He was arrested for kidnapping the King, but later released. John Dudley, a member of Edward's council whom he held in high esteem, essentially became regent. By 1551, Edward and his council had put forth several reforms, including banning mass. His Catholic sister Mary continued holding mass, which angered Edward. Edward's uncle was imprisoned again in late 1551 and subsequently executed. Edward fell ill in April 1552. He recovered at first, but his health soon began to decline. Edward decided to disinherit his sisters from the throne to name Lady Jane Grey his successor. He then passed away on 6 July 1553.
Personality and traits[]
As a baby, Edward was described as a "bonny child" as well as "very contented and happy." As he grew older, he became a very serious and studious child, who preferred reading to outdoor activities. His father was disappointed that he seemed to dislike all sports. Edward was very well educated and could speak Latin and French, and some Greek, Spanish, and Italian. He was also a devout Protestant and introduced many reforms when he became king. Like his council, Edward worried that his half-sister Mary would roll back all of the reforms which caused him to name his Protestant cousin Lady Jane Grey his heir instead.
Behind the scenes[]
Byron Long as Edward
- Edward is a supporting character in Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor and Lady Jane Grey, and a minor character in Henry VIII's Wives.
- Byron Long portrayed Edward in "Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor."
Appearances[]
- In chronological order:
- Henry VIII's Wives
- Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor
- "Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor" (film)
- Lady Jane Grey
- Bloody Tower (Mentioned only)
- Mary, Queen of Scots: Queen Without a Country (Mentioned only)
- The Queen's Spies (Mentioned in the Historical Note)
- Armada (Mentioned only)
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Henry VIII's Wives, Alison Prince, page 73
- ↑ Lady Jane Grey, Sue Reid, Timeline, page 229
- ↑ Bloody Tower (ISBN 9781407116853), Valerie Wilding, page 23
- ↑ Lady Jane Grey, Sue Reid, page 146
- ↑ Henry VIII's Wives, Alison Prince, page 82
See also[]
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