Edward VI: The Boy King and the Protestant Revolution · Spring Term

The Rise of Northumberland

The shift to a more efficient and politically ruthless style of government.

About This Topic

The death of the fifteen-year-old Edward VI in 1553 triggered a major succession crisis. Fearing the accession of the Catholic Mary Tudor, Northumberland and the dying King attempted to bypass the 1544 Succession Act with a 'Devise for the Succession', which named the Protestant Lady Jane Grey as the heir. This topic examines the legality of the 'Devise', the brief nine-day reign of Jane, and the overwhelming popular support that swept Mary to power.

For Year 12 students, this is a study in the 'legitimacy of the bloodline' and the failure of political maneuvering against tradition. It connects to themes of royal authority and the 'Mid-Tudor Crisis'. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of 'loyalty', analyzing why the English people (even many Protestants) chose the 'legitimate' Catholic Mary over the 'illegal' Protestant Jane.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate the extent to which John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, acted in his own self-interest versus the interests of the Crown.
• Analyze the financial reforms implemented by Northumberland and assess their effectiveness in restoring Crown solvency.
• Explain the strategic and political motivations behind Northumberland's decision to end the wars with France and Scotland.
• Compare and contrast the claims to the throne of Lady Jane Grey and Mary Tudor, considering legal and popular support.
• Critique the success of Northumberland's 'Devise for the Succession' in light of historical outcomes.

Before You Start

Henry VIII: The King and His Six Wives

Why: Students need foundational knowledge of the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England to understand the religious context of Edward VI's reign.

Edward VI: The Boy King and the Protestant Revolution

Why: This topic builds directly on the events and religious policies initiated during Edward VI's early reign and the role of his Protectors.

Key Vocabulary

Devise for the Succession	A legal document, or will, drafted by Edward VI at Northumberland's urging, which named Lady Jane Grey as his successor, bypassing Mary and Elizabeth.
Crown Lands	Land and property owned by the monarch. Northumberland's administration sought to manage and exploit these resources to increase royal income.
Somerset's Protectorate	The period when Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, acted as Lord Protector for the young Edward VI, preceding Northumberland's dominance.
Act of Six Articles	A 1539 statute passed under Henry VIII that affirmed Catholic doctrine, which had been largely repealed by Edward VI's Protestant reforms.
Treaty of Boulogne	A 1550 treaty that ended the war with France, requiring England to return Boulogne in exchange for a large sum of money.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Devise for the Succession

In small groups, students analyze the various versions of Edward's 'Devise'. They must identify the 'edits' made as the King's health failed and discuss whether the plan was the work of a 'dying boy' or a 'manipulative minister'.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

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Simulation Game: The Nine Days of July

Students role-play the events of July 1553. One group represents Northumberland in London, another represents Mary in East Anglia, and a third represents the 'wavering' nobility. They must track the shift in support as Mary's army grows and Northumberland's melts away.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Why did Mary win?

Students analyze the reasons for Mary's success. They discuss in pairs whether it was due to 'religious loyalty', 'hatred of Northumberland', or a deep-seated belief in the 'rightful Tudor line' and share their findings.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Financial advisors today analyze government budgets and national debt, similar to how Northumberland assessed the Crown's finances, to propose solutions for fiscal stability.

Diplomats negotiate treaties between nations, much like Northumberland negotiated peace with France and Scotland, balancing national interests with the costs of prolonged conflict.

Political analysts examine the motivations and actions of powerful figures in government, considering whether their decisions serve personal ambition or the public good, a debate central to evaluating Northumberland.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Lady Jane Grey was a 'usurper' who wanted to be Queen.

What to Teach Instead

Jane was a reluctant teenager who was forced into the role by her father and father-in-law (Northumberland). Active analysis of her 'reign' helps students see her as a victim of high-stakes political gambling rather than an ambitious claimant.

Common Misconception

Mary won because England was a 'Catholic country'.

What to Teach Instead

While many were Catholic, many Protestants also supported Mary because they believed she was the 'rightful' heir according to the law. Peer discussion of the 'legitimacy factor' helps students understand that Tudor loyalty was often more about 'order' than 'theology'.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class debate using the prompt: 'Was John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, primarily a self-serving schemer or a competent administrator trying to secure England's future?' Ask students to cite specific evidence from the period to support their arguments.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short list of Northumberland's actions (e.g., ending wars, selling Crown lands, enacting the Devise). Ask them to categorize each action as primarily aimed at restoring Crown finances, securing his own power, or advancing the Protestant cause, justifying each choice.

Exit Ticket

Students write a two-sentence summary explaining why the 'Devise for the Succession' ultimately failed. They should include one reason related to legal challenges and one reason related to popular sentiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'Devise for the Succession'?

The Devise was a document written by Edward VI in 1553. It attempted to change the line of succession by excluding his half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth (on the grounds of their 'illegitimacy') and naming the Protestant Lady Jane Grey and her 'heirs male' as the next in line. It was legally questionable because it had not been approved by Parliament.

Why did the 1553 coup fail so quickly?

The coup failed because Northumberland underestimated the level of support for Mary. Mary acted decisively, fleeing to East Anglia and raising a massive army of local gentry and commoners. When the Council in London saw the tide turning, they abandoned Northumberland and proclaimed Mary Queen, leaving Jane and her supporters isolated.

Who was Lady Jane Grey?

Jane was the great-granddaughter of Henry VII and a highly educated Protestant. She was married to Northumberland's son, Guildford Dudley, just weeks before Edward's death. After her 'nine-day reign', she was imprisoned in the Tower and eventually executed in 1554 following Wyatt's Rebellion, despite Mary's initial desire to spare her.

How can active learning help students understand the 1553 crisis?

The 1553 crisis is a fast-moving political drama. Active learning strategies, like the 'Nine Days of July' simulation, help students feel the 'momentum' of the event. By tracking how support shifted from London to Mary's camp, students realize that political power in the 16th century wasn't just about who held the capital, but about who could command the 'legitimate' loyalty of the provinces.