Was Northumberland's involvement in the Devise because he wanted power?

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  • Created by: Luciieee
  • Created on: 06-04-15 19:55

Was Northumberland's involvement in the Devise because he wanted power?

Advantages

  • Jane married Northumberland's son, Guildford Dudley, in May 1553 and 21 June Mary and Elizabeth declared illegitimate - does seem suspicious as successor to throne is daughter-in-law - been interpreted by historians as evidence that Northumberland was power-hungry

Disadvantages

  • genuine religious convictions? - believed those who followed Catholicism were heretics and would therefore go to Hell - prevent return of Catholicism to save the souls of his people
  • Life also potentially at risk - aware Mary may execute him as a heretic for his role in Protestant religious settlement
  • Edward may have been creator of devise - wanted English Protestantism to be preserved to secure his legacy as 'Josiah' (biblical king who removed idolatry)

Evaluation

Ultimately, the majority of Tudor politicians in Northumberland's situation would have acted in a similar way. He was faced by a genuine threat to his life and a perceived threat to the souls' of his people. Furthermore, he was likely under the orders of the King who ultimately had supreme authority. Although there is little doubt, Jane's marriage to Guildford was an attempt on Northumberland's behalf to gain power, he merely took advantage of the situation as many contemporary politicians would have done. Despite this, his original intentions were to act according upon the King's wishes and to protect his people and thus history should not judge him too harshly.

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