How far does Somerset deserve his reputation as the Good Duke? (Somerset (then known as Earl of Hertford) claimed the title of Lord Protector after the death of Henry VIII

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How far does Somerset deserve his reputation as the 'Good Duke'? (45)

Edward Seymour, also known as the 1st Duke of Somerset, in many ways did not deserve his title as the 'Good Duke' due to the fact that not only did he used his position as Edward VI's uncle to gain autocratic power as 'Lord Protector', his arrogant and selfish style of government led to a collapse of not only the economy, but created many social, religious and political problems, leading to rebellions spreading across the country. Because of this, it would be unfair to call him a 'Good Duke' as his legacy did little good for his successors, having created a nation in a terrible state to save the governing of.

Somerset (then known as Earl of Hertford) claimed the title of Lord Protector after the death of Henry VIII, when sometime before it was decided that he and an equal group of others (forming the Regency Council) would manage the throne for Edward VI whilst he was a child, 'thinking it the surest form of government and most fit for that commonwealth'. Being the boy king's uncle, it seemed natural for him to