Chapter 1, The King's Uncles Summary and Analysis

When Henry VIII dies, he leaves the government in the charge of a council of regents until Prince Edward comes of age. The Earl of Hertford, John Dudley, and the Archbishop Cramner all take prominent positions on the council. Though Henry VIII never instates a Lord Protector of England, Hertford feels he should fill the position because he is the King's uncle. Hertford is knighted by Edward VI and created Duke of Somerset, at the same time John Dudley is created Earl of Warwick. Though Somerset and Warwick formerly worked together, a rivalry develops. Somerset's brother Thomas Seymour resents his power as well.

Mary, as heiress to the throne, is kept in the country in an attempt to separate her from Catholics who might use her as a figurehead for a rebellion against the Protestant...