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Edward VI

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Edward VI was a king who ruled England and Ireland.

Hans Holbein the Younger - Edward VI as a Child - Google Art Project
Hans Holbein the Younger - Edward VI as a Child - Google Art Project

He was born on 12 October 1537 at Hampton Court Palace. His father was the famous King Henry VIII. His mother was Queen Jane Seymour. People were very happy when he was born. They even fired over two thousand guns at the Tower of London to celebrate. Sadly, his mother died just a few days after he was born.

Edward VI of England c. 1546
Edward VI of England c. 1546

Edward grew up to be a very bright and busy boy.

Edward VI, aged 6
Edward VI, aged 6

He studied many hard subjects like philosophy and science. He learned to speak French, Spanish, and Italian. He also enjoyed music and played instruments like the lute. Edward loved maps and globes very much. He was often more focused on his schoolwork than other children. He wanted to do his duty well. He even competed with his sister Elizabeth to see who was smarter.

Badge of Prince Edward 1543
Badge of Prince Edward 1543

Becoming king was a big change for Edward. He became king on 28 January 1547. He was only nine years old when his father died. Because he was so young, he could not rule all by himself. A group of leaders called a regency council helped him. First, his uncle Edward Seymour led the council. Later, John Dudley took over the leadership.

Edward Seymour
Edward Seymour

During this time, England faced hard jobs like money problems and social riots. There was also a difficult war with Scotland.

Edward VI of England - 2
Edward VI of England - 2

Religion was a very important part of Edward's life.

He was the first English king raised as a Protestant. Under his rule, the Church of England changed a lot. Before this, many church services were held in Latin. Edward helped make English the language used in church services. He also changed how people took part in religious ceremonies. These changes made the Church of England a Protestant body for the first time.

Ed and pope
Ed and pope

In 1553, Edward became very sick. He was only fifteen years old when he died on 6 July 1553. Before he died, he and his council made a plan for who should be king next. This was called a "Devise for the Succession." Edward chose his cousin, Lady Jane Grey, to be the next ruler. He wanted to keep the country Protestant. However, his half-sister Mary became queen only nine days after Jane.

Streathamladyjayne
Streathamladyjayne

This caused many changes for England in the years that followed.

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🖼️ Images & Media (17)
File:Hans Holbein the Younger - Edward VI as a Child - Google Art Project.jpg
Hans Holbein the Younger - Edward VI as a...
File:Edward VI of England c. 1546.jpg
Edward VI of England c. 1546.jpg
File:Badge of Prince Edward 1543.jpg
Badge of Prince Edward 1543.jpg
File:Edward VI, aged 6.jpg
Edward VI, aged 6.jpg
File:Coat of Arms of England (1509-1554) - Dragon with pizzle.png
Coat of Arms of England (1509-1554) -...
File:Edward VI of England - 2.jpg
Edward VI of England - 2.jpg
File:Ed and pope.png
Ed and pope.png
File:Edward VI sign his First death warrant by John Pettie R.A.jpg
Edward VI sign his First death warrant by...
File:Thomas Seymour Denizot.jpg
Thomas Seymour Denizot.jpg
File:Edward Seymour.jpg
Edward Seymour.jpg
File:John Dudley (Knole, Kent).jpg
John Dudley (Knole, Kent).jpg
File:King Edward VI shilling.jpg
King Edward VI shilling.jpg

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