Description: Edward VI of England King

Superb Edward VI Signature Dated Less than 2 Months before his Death

The top portion of a document in Latin signed by Edward VI (1537-1553), then King of England, as "Edward" in the upper left corner. The signature alone measures 1.625" x 1". The vellum fragment is trimmed under the first line of text and measures approximately 21.5" x 2". Partially inscribed and dated May 10, 1553 verso. Expected weathering, else very good to near fine.

The document fragment continues with Edward's full title: " Edwardus Sextus dei gra. Anglie, ffrancie et Hibernie rex fidei defensor et in terra eccle. Anglicane et Hibernie Supremum Caput", or, " Edward the Sixth, by the Grace of God England, France and Ireland king Defender of the Faith and of the Church of England and also of Ireland in Earth Supreme Head."

Edward VI was the long-awaited son and heir of Henry VIII and the latter's third wife, Lady Jane Seymour. The frail 10-year-old ascended the throne after his father's death in 1547 and ruled for six years under regency council until his own death in July 1553. During his reign, Edward VI fully established Protestantism as the state religion. He authorized the bilingual publication of the Forty-Two Articles of the Church of England in Latin and English, and also endorsed the First Prayer Book compiled by Thomas Cranmer. Other religious measures enacted during Edward VI's reign included the prohibition of clerical celibacy and of the Latin Mass.

In February 1553, it became apparent that Edward VI was dying of a painful wasting pulmonary illness, most likely tuberculosis. His last regent, John Dudley, the Duke of Northumberland, pressured Edward VI into signing a controversial "Devise of Succession" which skipped his two half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth and conveniently designated Northumberland's daughter-in-law as his successor. Lady Jane Grey, called the Nine Days' Queen, was beheaded along with her husband, father, and father-in-law.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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