3-057-486 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Page from the diary of King Edward VI, c1551-c1552. Edward VI succeeded to the English throne in 1547 at the age of nine and died six years later. These entries from his diary cover the end of December 1551 and beginning of January 1552, when Edward's uncle, Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who had ruled the country for Edward during the first three years of his reign, was in the Tower awaiting execution. Edward does not express any concern about his uncle's fate. The entries for 23rd and 24th December, for example, concentrate on preparations for Christmas: '23. Removing to Grenwich [Palace]. 24. I began to kepe haule this Christmas and continewed till twelftide'. He also mentions 'the French king', and the Prince of Macedonia who 'was slain on the walles and was buried [?] triumph at Parma. 22. The great seale of England delivered to the bishop of Ely'. Further on he discusses tallow candles.