Under Edward VI, Rich supported the Protestant regime of the boy king and played a role in pushing forward radical reforms, including the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer and the destruction of Catholic imagery. He was a friend of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, Edward’s leading advisor, and helped to suppress Catholic resistance.
Yet under Queen Mary I, a Catholic, Rich switched sides once more. He helped identify and persecute Protestants—many of whom he had supported under Edward. This included people like John Bradford, who would become a Protestant martyr.
Was this hypocrisy? To many, yes. To others, it was political realism. In an era when kings and queens were deposed or executed at alarming frequency, perhaps Rich simply understood that flexibility was the key to survival. The difference between cowardice and pragmatism is often a matter of perspective.
Legacy as Lord Chancellor and End of Life
Despite his controversial career, Rich reached the pinnacle of political success. He was made Lord Chancellor under Edward VI in 1547 and was created Baron Rich the same year. He founded Felsted School in Essex and built Leez Priory, establishing a legacy as a wealthy nobleman and patron.
He eventually retired from public life and died peacefully in 1567—a rare feat for someone who served four monarchs in such turbulent times. shutdown123