Duke of Somerset

Who was the duke of Somerset?

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The protector Somerset was firstly Edward Seymour brother of Jane

Seymour. This made him Edwards uncle
He was also the earl of Hertford and you may hear him referred to in this
way

How did the duke of Somerset secure the protectorate?

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In march 1537 he became a member of the privy council; he became the

earl of Hertford after the birth of Edward
During the 1540s he had experience of diplomacy and the battlefield in
Scotland and France
On January 31st 1547 after henry VIIIs death the privy council elected
Somerset as protector and he ruled with virtual royal authority
On February 4th 1547 Edward and thirteen executors signed a document
giving Somerset sovereign authority until Edward was 18
On 16th February 1547 he became the duke of Somerset

Denny was in Henrys privy chamber and the holder of the kings dry stamp the
stamp used to execute Henrys will.