Cultural depictions of Edward VI

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Edward VI of England has been depicted in popular culture a number of times.

Contents

Literature

Edward VI is a central character in Mark Twain's 1881 novel The Prince and the Pauper , in which the young prince and a pauper boy named Tom Canty, who bears a strikingly uncanny resemblance to Edward, deliberately exchange places. This ultimately leads to the eventual alarm and discomfort of both. Ultimately, both are saved by a semi-impoverished nobleman named Sir Miles Hendon.

Edward VI is the main character of Janet Wertman's The Boy King, the final instalment in the Seymour Saga trilogy. [1]

In the young adult novel Timeless Love by Judith O'Brien, the main character, Samantha, goes back in time and finds herself with Edward VI. Other historical characters in the book include Lady Jane Grey, the Duke of Northumberland, Princess Elizabeth and Barnaby Fitzpatrick.

Green Darkness (1972) by Anya Seton has Edward VI visiting the estate where the heroine lives.

Heirs of Squire Harry (1974) by Jane Lane accurately portrays the political intrigue in the court of the young king, who is beset by ruthless ambitious men and overshadowed by his sisters.

Film

Edward has been played on film by the following actors, mainly in versions of The Prince and the Pauper:

Television

Edward has been played on television by the following actors, again mainly in versions of The Prince and the Pauper:

Further reading

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<i>The Prince and the Pauper</i> 1881 novel by Mark Twain

The Prince and the Pauper is a novel by American author Mark Twain. It was first published in 1881 in Canada, before its 1882 publication in the United States. The novel represents Twain's first attempt at historical fiction. The plot concerns the ascension of nine-year-old Edward VI of England in 1547 and his interactions with look-alike Tom Canty, a London pauper who lives with his abusive, alcoholic father.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Canty</span> Fictional character

Thomas "Tom" Canty is a fictitious character from Mark Twain's 1881 novel The Prince and the Pauper. He was born the same day as Edward Tudor, the Prince of Wales in 1537 and grew up in a life of poverty with his abusive, alcoholic father and grandmother. His mother and his sisters always tried to protect him. He was well educated and learned Latin from Father Andrew, a local priest. One day, while taking a stroll, he meets Edward. They exchange clothes with one another, and then due to a mistake, it is assumed that Tom is the Prince of Wales, not Edward. When King Henry VIII died, Edward was to be crowned King, however Tom is nearly crowned instead.

<i>The Prince and the Pauper</i> (2000 film) 2000 film

The Prince and the Pauper is a British action adventure film of 2000 directed by Giles Foster, based on the 1881 novel The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. It stars Alan Bates, Aidan Quinn, and the twin brothers Jonathan and Robert Timmins as the lookalikes Edward VI of England and Tom Canty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coronation of Edward VI</span>

The coronation of Edward VI as King of England and Ireland took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 20 February 1547. Edward ascended the throne following the death of King Henry VIII.

References