King Edward VI of England

NAME Edward VI, known formally as King Edward VI of England and Ireland.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Edward VI is renowned for his role as the first English monarch raised as a Protestant, significantly advancing the Protestant Reformation during his reign. His short tenure from 1547 to 1553 was marked by religious reforms that shaped the Church of England's future.

BIRTH Born on October 12, 1537, at Hampton Court Palace in London. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND Edward was the only legitimate son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, his third wife. 

As the sole legitimate son of Henry VIII, Edward's birth was celebrated across England, fulfilling his father's desperate need for a male heir. His mother, Jane Seymour, passed away 12 days after his birth, leaving him to be raised in a royal household under strict security, as Henry viewed him as "this whole realm's most precious jewel."

He was closest to his stepmother Katherine Parr among Henry VIII's wives. (1) 

CHILDHOOD Edward's early years were spent in luxury at Hampton Court Palace, initially cared for by Margaret Bryan and later Blanche Herbert, Lady Troy, among women until age six. Contrary to traditional views of frailty, research suggests he was a healthy infant, enjoying robust health and activities, delighting his father, who was often seen dallying with him.

There is some evidence that Edward and his step sister Mary were close during his childhood, with the young prince known to follow her about asking many questions, though this relationship would change dramatically once he became king.

Prince Edward in 1539, by Hans Holbein the Younger

EDUCATION At six, Edward began formal education under tutors Richard Cox and John Cheke, focusing on languages, scripture, philosophy, and liberal sciences. He also studied with Roger Ascham and Jean Belmain, mastering French, Spanish, and Italian, and delving into geometry and music, playing the lute and virginals. 

Edward alternated between "Latin week" and "Greek week" throughout 1550 and 1551, demonstrating the classical emphasis of his education. His studies included geometry, mathematics, and astronomy, with a special astrolabe made for him bearing both the royal arms and those of his tutor John Cheke. (2)

Religious instruction formed a central component of his education, evolving from initially Catholic elements to increasingly reform-minded Protestant perspectives as he grew older. 

Edward's intellectual abilities were impressive; he kept a detailed journal of his reign and wrote scholarly works including a "Defence of Astronomy" at around age 13, demonstrating his engagement with scientific matters at a time when mathematical sciences were generally held in low esteem. By age 12, he had written a theological treatise identifying the Pope as Antichrist, showing his deep absorption of Protestant theology under the guidance of his tutors. (3)

Hieronymus Cardano was impressed by Edward's intelligence and maturity, having "long, enthusiastic discussions" with the 15-year-old king and finding that the difference in their ages seemed to matter little. Edward's Latin skills were particularly noted, as he conversed with Cardano in Latin during their meeting. (4)

CAREER RECORD Became King of England and Ireland on January 28, 1547, at the age of nine.

1547 Edward VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey on February 20, 1547. 

His reign was largely guided by his Lord Protectors, first Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, and then John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland.

Oversaw the establishment of Protestantism as the official religion of England.

APPEARANCE Edward VI possessed the distinctive gold-red hair characteristic of the Tudor dynasty and the dark blue eyes of his mother, Jane Seymour. 

Despite efforts in portraiture to make him appear mature and kingly, contemporary accounts suggest Edward was not physically robust, which may have contributed to his susceptibility to the illness that eventually claimed his life. 

In his portraits, Edward is typically depicted with the pale complexion prized among Tudor nobility, with his Tudor features becoming more pronounced as he aged.

Portrait by William Scrots, c. 1550

FASHION His clothing typically featured sumptuous materials including a scarlet doublet underlaid with silver leaf to create the shimmering effect of "cloth of gold," a fabric reserved exclusively for royalty and woven with genuine precious metal. 

The gold embroidery and chain of office seen in his portraits were applied with real gold leaf, demonstrating the extraordinary expense invested in the young king's appearance. 

His formal attire included jeweled caps, sometimes with ostrich plumes, further enhancing his royal image and connecting him visually to the regal splendor of his father's court. (5) 

CHARACTER Edward VI displayed a complex character that combined intellectual precocity with emotional reserve, traits that became more pronounced as he matured into his role as monarch. Contemporaries noted his tendency to keep his emotions private, reminiscent of his grandfather Henry VII, though this should not be interpreted as evidence that he was unfeeling. His personal diary entries appear remarkably detached, such as his terse note about his uncle Edward Seymour's execution - "Today, the Duke of Somerset had his head cut off on Tower Hill" - but historians suggest this emotional restraint was deliberately cultivated as appropriate for a king whose words would be scrutinized by contemporaries and historians alike. 

Edward was described as reserved and cautious in unfamiliar situations, yet could become "caring and good-humoured once some level of intimacy was established," showing a warmer personality to those in his inner circle. (6)

Edward had a strong faith, reading scripture daily and enjoying sermons, as noted by John Foxe. Research suggests he had strong opinions, potentially tyrannical tendencies, yet was affable and gentle, balancing firmness with kindness, especially in religious matters.

SPEAKING VOICE Edward VI's speaking manner reflected his carefully cultivated royal demeanor, characterized by restraint and formality even from a young age. The royal council once noted the necessity of explaining to foreign ambassadors that the king's "modesty that in his most gladness hath not much outward show thereof" limited his expressiveness, particularly in formal diplomatic contexts. 

Edward's command of spoken French, while impressive for his age, was apparently not as fluent as his native English, with the council noting that "his Majesty's French speech being not natural to him, cannot so abundantly express the joy of his heart as if he should have answered in his natural speech. (6)

SENSE OF HUMOUR Edward VI displayed flashes of wit and humor that contrasted with his generally serious public demeanor, particularly when at ease with familiar companions. His humor emerged most clearly during extended diplomatic engagements, such as when he joked with French ambassadors about the "miserable state of English food," displaying a self-deprecating wit that charmed his guests. 

The capacity for playfulness is evident in accounts of his participation in court masques and entertainments, where the young king could temporarily set aside royal gravity to enjoy the theatrical diversions popular at Tudor courts. (2)

RELATIONSHIPS Edward VI's relationship with his half-sister Mary was particularly complicated; as a child, he was known to follow her about asking questions, suggesting early closeness, but as king, protocol required her to kneel in his presence, and their religious differences created increasing tension as Edward's Protestant reforms directly challenged Mary's Catholic faith. 

With Elizabeth, his younger half-sister, Edward shared more religious common ground, though the same formal court etiquette governed their interactions once he became king. When Edward was nine, he wrote to Mary declaring "I love you most," yet later as king, he would chastise her for "attending to foreign dances and merriments which do not become a most Christian princess" - a reflection of his growing Protestant zeal. (6)

Edward's closest personal friendship appears to have been with Barnaby Fitzpatrick, a noble youth who served as his whipping boy (receiving punishments on Edward's behalf) and later became a trusted companion. 

His relationships with his regents varied considerably: his uncle Edward Seymour initially held significant influence, but Edward later accepted Seymour's execution with apparent equanimity, recording it briefly in his diary without emotional commentary. 

Portrait of Edward Seymour by unknown artist

At age 13, Edward was betrothed to five-year-old Elisabeth of Valois, daughter of King Henry II of France, in a diplomatic arrangement typical of royal marriages, though he died before the marriage could take place.

MONEY AND FAME Despite the opulent surroundings of the Tudor court, Edward appears to have inherited a sense of financial responsibility, perhaps influenced by the economic challenges that plagued his reign, including inflation and the debasement of coinage that required serious financial reforms. 

Edward himself showed an interest in financial matters unusual for his age, with his journal entries reflecting awareness of state economics and his council memoranda including items like "The conclusion for the payment of our debts in February next coming". 

His reign saw serious attempts at economic reform, particularly in its later years, with Thomas Gresham implementing measures that restored confidence in the coinage by 1552, though a full economic recovery was not achieved until Elizabeth's reign. 

Despite his royal status, Edward seems to have maintained a relatively modest personal approach to luxury, though he did enjoy the customary aristocratic pastimes of gambling at cards, tennis, and other games, "often losing money that way". 

Edward's fame during his lifetime rested primarily on his status as Henry VIII's long-awaited male heir and his role in advancing the English Reformation, rather than on personal extravagance or spectacular royal displays. (2)

FOOD AND DRINK Edward enjoyed a rich, sumptuous diet typical of Tudor royalty, likely including meats, fish, poultry, and exotic spices. 

MUSIC AND ARTS Edward VI demonstrated genuine musical talent and appreciation, continuing the Tudor tradition of royal musicianship established by his father Henry VIII. He was taught by Philip Van Wilder to be "excellent in striking the lute" and also learned to play keyboard instruments, including the virginals. (1)

Like other Tudor monarchs, Edward maintained a sizable musical establishment, with the number of royal musicians growing throughout his reign despite general cuts in government expenses in the early 1550s. 

Music formed an essential part of Edward's court entertainment, with the king personally appearing in masques and plays that combined music, drama, and dance. His enjoyment of performance extended to more rustic entertainments as well, as he was fond of watching tightrope walkers and "tumblers going upon their hands with their feet upward." (2)

LITERATURE Highly literate, Edward read classical works like Aristotle and Cicero in their original languages, translating philosophical texts by age 13. 

Edward wrote several scholarly compositions as part of his education, including a "Defence of Astronomy" oration in Latin at around age 13, demonstrating his ability to construct formal arguments on academic subjects. By age 12, he had written a theological treatise identifying the Pope as Antichrist, showing both his Protestant convictions and his capacity for religious polemic. 

His personal writing style in official documents was distinctive, with state papers showing his "schoolboy hand" in memoranda like the one dated January 1551/2 outlining "Certain points of weighty matters to be immediately concluded on by my council" (7)

NATURE Edward enjoyed outdoor pursuits like archery and possibly hunting, common among nobility. His collection of globes and maps indicates an interest in geography, connecting him to the natural world through exploration.

PETS Edward VI had a beloved pet spaniel that was tragically killed by his uncle Thomas Seymour during a kidnapping attempt on January 16, 1549.

The incident occurred at Hampton Court Palace, where Thomas Seymour attempted to break into the young king's apartments with the intention of abducting him. As Seymour entered the royal residence, he disturbed Edward's spaniel, which started barking at the intruder. In a moment of panic, Seymour shot the dog.

The noise of the gunshot alerted the guards, leading to Seymour's apprehension. This failed kidnapping attempt was part of Seymour's broader scheme to gain influence over the young king and potentially remove his brother, Edward Seymour, from the position of Lord Protector.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Edward VI enthusiastically pursued a range of physical activities and games typical of Tudor aristocratic life, demonstrating particular passion for hunting from a young age. He was described as an "inveterate huntsman," spending considerable time engaged in this traditional royal pastime that combined physical exercise with practical training in skills valued for both warfare and courtly display. 

The young king practiced fencing and archery regularly, developing martial skills expected of a Renaissance prince, and at age 14 participated in tournaments including "running at the ring" alongside members of his chamber, meticulously recording results in his diary. 

Indoor entertainments were equally important to Edward, who enjoyed playing cards, tennis, chess, and other games, often wagering and "losing money that way," suggesting a competitive spirit and genuine enjoyment rather than merely obligatory participation. (2)

SCIENCE AND MATHS Edward VI demonstrated considerable interest in scientific matters unusual for his age, reflected most notably in his "Defence of Astronomy" oration written in Latin at around age 13. This scholarly composition defended astronomy (which at that time included what we would now distinguish as astronomy and astrology) at a period when mathematical sciences were generally held in low esteem among the nobility, showing Edward's intellectual independence and engagement with Renaissance scientific thought. His education included geometry, mathematics, and astronomy, with a special astrolabe made for him bearing both the royal arms and those of his tutor John Cheke, suggesting practical instruction in astronomical observation and calculation

REIGN Edward VI's reign (1547–1553) was short, intense, and slightly chaotic, rather like a school play in which half the actors forget their lines, and the other half stage a coup.

Edward, all of nine years old, ascended the throne and immediately found himself surrounded by ambitious men who all thought they knew best. First up was Uncle Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who declared himself Lord Protector, which is essentially the Tudor version of saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything,” before proceeding to not handle everything at all. He had grand ideas about reforming the church and sorting out England’s problems but was slightly less enthusiastic about listening to other people, which led to his unceremonious downfall in 1551. Enter John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, who proved to be much better at paperwork and keeping the economy from falling off a cliff.

Now, for all his youth, Edward was deeply committed to turning England into a proper Protestant country.. Under his watch (or rather, under the watch of his councillors who nodded in agreement whenever he said anything theological), the English church changed dramatically. Gone were the elaborate Catholic rituals, the Latin masses, and anything remotely decorative. In came the Book of Common Prayer, which made services comprehensible but also sparked a rebellion or two—because if there’s one thing people dislike, it’s being told they have to change how they worship. The 1549 Prayer Book Rebellion in the West Country saw outraged locals protesting against these reforms, while Kett’s Rebellion in Norfolk had people up in arms over land enclosures. Both uprisings ended in that classic Tudor fashion: with a lot of people being executed.

Financially, things weren’t great. Inflation was on a rampage, currency debasement had made people feel like they were playing a particularly depressing game of Monopoly, and Somerset had spent a fortune trying (and failing) to subdue Scotland. Northumberland, to his credit, looked at the national accounts, sighed deeply, and began stabilizing things by 1552. He also sensibly pulled English troops out of Scotland and Boulogne-sur-Mer, realizing that fighting expensive wars while the economy was on fire wasn’t the best strategy.

But back to Edward. He took his role as Protestant-in-Chief very seriously, reportedly reading scripture daily and eagerly discussing religious doctrine—like a bright but slightly intense student at the front of the class. By the end of his reign, churches had been stripped of their finery, Catholic practices had been outlawed, and England had been well and truly nudged toward Protestantism. When Edward fell gravely ill in 1553, he and his advisors panicked at the thought of his Catholic half-sister Mary taking the throne and hastily tried to install Lady Jane Grey instead. This, as history shows, went about as well as a cow trying to ride a bicycle, and Mary took the throne within days.

Still, Edward’s Protestant reforms would eventually be reinstated under Elizabeth I, making his religious policies one of the most lasting legacies of his reign. Not bad for a teenage king who spent much of his short life surrounded by scheming nobles and economic woes. One imagines that had he lived longer, he might have been rather pleased with how things eventually turned out—though he probably wouldn’t have approved of Elizabeth’s taste for compromise.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Edward VI developed profound Protestant theological convictions that went beyond the more politically motivated religious changes of his father's reign. His personal religious philosophy evolved from the Lutheran influences of his early education toward the more reformed theology of Swiss Protestantism, particularly as expressed in the second Book of Common Prayer of 1552, which explicitly rejected the physical presence of Christ in Communion elements. 

Edward embraced the core Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone, rejecting Catholic teachings about good works and purgatory, with the act abolishing chantries during his reign explicitly stating that praying for the dead was "superstitious because purgatory did not in fact exist". 

Edward personally championed church reforms including the removal of images, statues, and elaborate ceremonial elements from worship, reflecting his belief that these practices constituted idolatry rather than true Christianity. His religious convictions were described as "fierce" compared to his father's more moderate and politically-motivated break with Rome, suggesting that Edward's Protestantism reflected genuine personal belief rather than merely continuing state policy. 

The theological changes implemented during Edward's reign, particularly through the revised Prayer Book of 1552 and the Forty-Two Articles drafted by Thomas Cranmer, established a distinctly Protestant theological framework that would ultimately form the doctrinal foundation of the Church of England after being slightly modified during Elizabeth I's reign.

POLITICS Edward VI's political situation was defined by his youth and the resulting regency government, with significant power struggles occurring among noble factions vying for control during his reign. Initially, his uncle Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, became Lord Protector, implementing religious reforms and social policies that attempted to address peasant grievances, but his failure to effectively handle rebellions and his increasingly autocratic style led to his downfall in 1549. 

John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, subsequently gained control of the Council and effectively governed England until Edward's death, proving more politically pragmatic than Somerset by signing peace treaties with Scotland and France to reduce military expenditure and taking measures to stabilize the kingdom's finances.

Edward himself began taking a more active role in governance as he approached his teens, with memoranda like that of January 1551/2 showing his engagement with "weighty matters" before the Council, including foreign policy, economic issues, and judicial decisions. The young king's political perspective aligned with Protestant reformers, supporting religious changes but also showing interest in practical governance matters including England's naval defenses and military readiness. (7)

Edward's final significant political act was his "Devise for the Succession," attempting to secure a Protestant succession by naming his cousin Lady Jane Grey as heir instead of his Catholic half-sister Mary - a decision reflecting both religious conviction and the influence of Northumberland, whose son had married Jane Grey. This political maneuver failed days after Edward's death when popular support rallied behind Mary, demonstrating the limitations of even royal political authority when opposed by traditional succession rights. 

SCANDAL Political scandals marked his reign, including the executions of uncles Thomas and Edward Seymour for treason, with Thomas's kidnapping attempt and Edward's signing of Somerset's death warrant adding drama to his rule.

MILITARY RECORD Edward VI never personally led troops in battle due to his youth, but he maintained a keen interest in England's military affairs and defense capabilities throughout his short reign. 

The military conflicts of his era were managed by his regents, with his uncle Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, leading a campaign against Scotland that culminated in victory at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547, though this success was not followed by satisfactory peace terms. 

Later, under the Duke of Northumberland's leadership, England pursued a more pragmatic military policy, signing peace treaties with France and Scotland that included withdrawal from Boulogne-sur-Mer and Scottish territories, recognizing that England could no longer sustain the financial burden of foreign wars

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Edward VI was not naturally robust, with his physical frailty contrasting sharply with his intellectual precocity and contributing to his tragically early death at age fifteen. Contemporary accounts suggest that while he participated actively in the physical pursuits expected of a Tudor prince, including hunting, riding, fencing, and archery, his overall constitution was delicate compared to the idealized image of Tudor kingship embodied by his father. 

Edward contracted measles in April 1552, which according to modern medical analysis may have suppressed his immunity to tuberculosis, making him vulnerable to the disease that would eventually claim his life. 

His health deteriorated rapidly in early 1553, with symptoms including a hacking cough, high fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen limbs with ulcers. 

During his final illness, Edward exhibited remarkable mental clarity despite his physical decline, working diligently on the "Devise for the Succession" to secure a Protestant future for England even as his body failed him

HOMES Edward VI resided in numerous royal palaces throughout his brief life, with Hampton Court Palace being particularly significant as his birthplace. The impressive list of royal residences available to the Tudor monarchy included London properties like Whitehall Palace (formerly York Place), St. James's Palace, and the Tower of London, along with country estates including Windsor Castle, Richmond Palace, and Greenwich Palace, where Edward would eventually die in 1553

TRAVEL Edward VI's travel experiences were extremely limited compared to other monarchs, reflecting both his youth and the brevity of his reign. 

Edward attempted only one royal progress to Guildford, which was quickly abandoned after just one week when half his entourage had to be sent home due to insufficient fodder for horses, suggesting logistical challenges in arranging travel for the young king. 

Most of Edward's movements were restricted to journeys between established royal residences in and around London, including Hampton Court Palace, Greenwich Palace, Whitehall, and Windsor Castle. These relatively short journeys between palaces followed the traditional patterns of Tudor court movement, dictated by seasons, hunting opportunities, and the practical need to "air out" residences periodically

DEATH Edward VI died on July 6, 1553, at Greenwich Palace, aged just fifteen years and eight months. His final illness progressed rapidly from early 1553, with symptoms including a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, night sweats, swollen limbs, and eventually the expulsion of "greenish-yellow and black, sometimes pink" material. (2)

The young king's final words were reportedly religious in nature, followed by "I am faint" and "Lord have mercy on me, and take my spirit," reflecting the devout Protestantism that had characterized his reign. 

Edward's death precipitated a brief succession crisis, with Lady Jane Grey proclaimed queen for nine days before popular support rallied behind Mary Tudor, who reversed many of Edward's Protestant reforms during her five-year reign.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Edward VI has received limited portrayal in popular media compared to other Tudor monarchs, though his brief life and reign have occasionally featured in historical dramas and literature.

He appears in the television series Becoming Elizabeth, where he is portrayed by Oliver Zetterstrom as a young reformer king navigating court drama amid the political machinations of his regents. 

In the television series The Tudors, Edward VI is portrayed by Eoin Murtagh and Jake Hathaway. The series depicts Edward as a young king struggling to find his identity as a reformer while navigating the drama of his court.

In Mark Twain's novel The Prince and the Pauper, Edward VI is a central character. The story revolves around Edward, the young Prince of Wales, who switches places with Tom Canty, a poor boy who looks remarkably similar to him. This fictional account portrays Edward as curious, intelligent, and possessing a strong sense of justice. His experiences as a pauper open his eyes to the struggles of his future subjects, shaping him into a more compassionate ruler

Edward is the subject of the historical fiction novel The Murder of Edward VI by David Snow, which explores alternative theories about his early death.

ACHIEVEMENTS His key achievement was establishing Protestantism in England, with reforms like the Book of Common Prayer, laying foundations for the Church of England, despite his short reign.

Sources (1) History Extra  (2) All Things Robert Dudley (3) Royal UK (4) Stephen Donoghue (5) The Tudor Travel Guide (6) Tudor Times (7) British Library