It is my opinion that Protestantism was not fully established by 1553 however, I do believe that it progressed considerably during Edward’s reign despite the opinions of individuals such as John Foxe who summarised that ‘much tranquillity and, as it were, breathing time was granted to the whole Church of England’ during the years 1547 – 1553.
Doctrinally, there were decided steps taken towards Protestantism during Edward’s reign; beginning as early as 1547 with the Royal Injunctions, Chantries Act and widespread iconoclasm. It is feasible, that the early period of Edward’s reign can be seen as a period of destruction with regards to Catholic practice. The presence of radical figures such as Nicholas Ridley reflected the destructive nature undertaken particularly, in London and which later sparked rebellion. But the general lack of overall opposition can rightly be seen to have made enforcement of changes easier for the government.
Once the use of the old religion had been forbidden by law, the introduction of Protestant ideas was quick to follow with the publication of the First Common Prayer Book in May 1549. This outlined a uniform approach to religious services but imposed a more moderate approach to reform than that which had been followed in 1547 with fast and holy days remaining.
From 1550 the Duke of Northumberland, advanced the cause for Protestantism but it is important to recognise that there were personal motives behind this; a clear emphasis on extracting the remaining wealth from the Church can be identified during this time. Strong Protestant doctrine was introduced in this time period for instance, the Second Book of Common Prayer which was notably more radical than its predecessor and followed up with the Act of Uniformity which was at best a measure that ensured Protestantism and at worse one that enforced Protestantism upon the laity.
This brings me to my next point, Protestantism was not a movement of free will for laity as it was for the church and crown – this itself was evident to members such as Lord Paget who recognised that the Edwardian Reformation was not deeply embedded in populace, although enshrined in law -‘not yet printed in the stomachs of the eleven of the twelve parts of the realm’. Supporting evidence for this can be taken form Duffy’s 1992 publication of the ‘Stripping of the Altars’ – ‘accepted the changes – however unwelcome – as unavoidable selling off their Catholic past as they could not hide or keep’. They very fact that the laity merely ‘accepted’ the changes rather than embracing them clearly indicates a limit to the establishment of Protestantism, which is supported by the rapid restoration of Catholicism when Mary took the throne in 1553 and so, in this way it can be said that Protestantism was not fully established in 1553.
In conclusion, there was a decided shift towards Protestantism during Edward’s reign. Doctrinally, a Protestant state had been created however, strong Catholic beliefs remained instilled in the laity who merely accepted the changes for now.