Edward VI

Edward VI was King of England and Ireland from 1547 until his death in 1553. He was born in 1537 and became king at the age of nine. Edward was the son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. Because Edward was very young, he did not rule on his own. Instead, the government was led by adult advisers who acted in his name. His reign was short but marked by important changes in religion and government.

Edward was born on October 12, 1537, at Hampton Court Palace. His birth was celebrated because he was the long-awaited male heir to Henry VIII. Edward’s mother, Jane Seymour, died soon after his birth. Edward was carefully educated. He studied languages, history, and religion. Tutors taught him to read and write at an early age. Records show that Edward took part in lessons and kept written notes.

When Henry VIII died in January 1547, Edward became king. The country was ruled by a council called the Privy Council. A privy council is a group of advisers who help govern a country. At first, Edward’s uncle, Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, became the main leader. He was named Lord Protector, which meant he governed on behalf of the young king. Later, power passed to John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland.

During Edward’s reign, England moved further toward Protestant Christianity. Protestantism is a form of Christianity that developed during the Reformation. New prayer books were introduced for church services. The Book of Common Prayer was first used in 1549 and revised in 1552. Church decorations were removed in many places. These changes were ordered by the government and approved in Edward’s name.

Edward’s health was weak for much of his life. In 1553, he became seriously ill, likely with tuberculosis, a disease that affects the lungs. As his condition worsened, plans were made for who should rule after his death. Edward signed a document that named Lady Jane Grey as his successor. A successor is the person who takes the throne next. Edward died on July 6, 1553, at the age of fifteen.

After Edward’s death, Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed queen, but her rule lasted only nine days. She was replaced by Mary I, Edward’s older half-sister. Edward was buried in Westminster Abbey. His reign ended the direct rule of Henry VIII’s sons. The changes made during Edward’s time influenced later events in English history.