Cultural depictions of Edward VI

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

Literature

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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

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

Television

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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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  • Sue Parrill and William B. Robison, The Tudors on Film and Television (McFarland, 2013). ISBN 978-0786458912.

References

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