Person of the Month

Somerset was born into a family with enough court connections to give him opportunities for advancement, which he grabbed with both hands. Competent and skilful as a military leader, he earned Henry VIII’s trust, but not to the extent that Henry wanted him to have the role of Protector – that was a decision that Somerset managed to impose on his fellow-councillors. But Somerset, although great enough to achieve power, did not have the skills to hold it.

Somerset has not been the subject of many studies – the most recent is that by Margaret Scard, reviewed here.