Edward VI is a precocious child, who had been brought up as a Protestant, but is of little account politically.

His maternal uncle Edward Seymour, made Lord Protector, has been commissioned as virtual regent with near sovereign powers.

Made Duke of Somerset on February 15, he proceeds at first hesitantly, partly because his powers are open to challenge.

When he acts, it is because he sees the political advantage.

He too wishes to forcibly ally Scotland to England by marrying Mary to Edward, and to impose an Anglican Reformation on the Scottish church establishment.

Somerset dispatches ships and troops against Scotland, but meets with little success other than the occupation of Edinburgh.