Today in Queen Bess's Life

Edward VI by Hans Holbein

In 1537, Elizabeth becomes a big sister to Edward -- the child of her father and his third wife, Jane Seymour.  His birth was a source of much joy and relief for his father, his Advisors, and the English people.  I'm going to bet that his mother was the most joyous and relieved since the two wives previous didn't fare well when they were unable to provide a male heir.

Alas, the Queen's joy was short-lived when she died ten days after the birth of her son due to post-natal complications.

A little over nine years later (and three more wives), Henry would die and his son would succeed him as King.

Today in Queen Bess's Life

In 1547, Elizabeth's younger brother, Edward was crowned and became Edward VI of England.  He was only nine years old, but it would make sense that he was ready to be King since his father had signed the Treaty of Greenwich in July of 1543 which formally betrothed his young son to the then seven month old Mary Queen of Scots.

To help the boy with the task of ruling an entire country, his father had names sixteen executors who were to act as Edward's Council until he reached the age of 18.  And, in keeping with any monarch's reign during that time, the boy found himself surrounded by scoundrels and schemers.

Stay tuned...