ABSTRACT
Thomas Cromwell had no successor as vicegerent in the English Church. Nor was he followed by a chief minister who would direct the king's policy. Rather, the king's Council was renamed and redefined as the Privy Council, in whom executive authority was invested as a body. Cranmer suspected that they would spend 'their time in much idleness' and their money in 'superfluous belly cheer'. Alongside the prebendaries, a separate staff of preachers was created. Known as the Six Preachers of Canterbury, they formed a college-inside-a-college which continues to the present day, an innovation unique to Canterbury amongst the other cathedral foundations. The King's Book began with a remarkable statement on the meaning of faith that reflected Convocation's rejection of Lutheran doctrine. As Henry prepared to leave for France in 1544, Cranmer wrote an English litany to be used everywhere in his province. Cranmer presided at a coronation when he crowned the nine-year-old Edward at Westminster Abbey on 20 February 1547.
