Historians' verdicts.

"Somerset's economic policy was his worst. Although population growth was the underlying cause of the price rise, currency debasements accelerated inflation. But recoinage was impossible if the Scottish garrisons were to be built. He delegated policy-making to John Hales... His bills failed, but a tax on sheep and woollen cloth was approved - the intention was to raise money for the Scottish war while discouraging sheep farming and thus enclosures. Hales also resumed Wolsey's work - he revived Enclosure commissions. But these were frustrated by packed juries in the commission courts. So Somerset intervened. Yet his action was illegal: he exceeded his powers."

John Guy