8.1.

20

1549: The Fall of Somerset

 July – August: 26 counties have anti-enclosure riots (most were put down quickly) – most
were central and southern counties.
 Autocratic style of rule, huge power as protector, Antagonising the council.
 Religious policies:
 Closure of chantries
 Enforcing iconoclasm
 1549 Act of Uniformity
 Committee to investigate illegal enclosures in 1548
 1549 – introduced 3 bills – threatens interests of those on council.

 Inflation caused by Henry debasing the coinage.

o Problems with enclosure also predated Somerset.
 Inherited wars with Scotland but the garrisoning policy was his idea.
 Inherits religious problems

September 1549

 A majority on the council want Somerset removing

 5th October – Somerset makes a proclamation, “all loyal to Somerset and the King to meet at
Hampton Court
 18 councillors issued counter-proclamations
 14th October – Somerset is imprisoned
 Long term turning point – rebels realise that the best way to have successful revolts is to go
through court, having court-based coups.

 Northumberland became Lord President

 1552 – more radical prayer book introduced
 Ended the occupation of Scotland
 Sold Boulogne back to France
o 1551 – introduces better quality coinage.
