Mary I of England

Definition

Mary I of England, often referred to as Mary Tudor, was the queen regnant of England and Ireland from 1553 until her death in 1558. She is known for her attempt to reverse the English Reformation and restore Roman Catholicism, which led to the persecution of Protestants during her reign, notably highlighted in John Foxe's 'Book of Martyrs'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary I was the first woman to rule England in her own right, and her reign was marked by her desire to restore Catholicism as the state religion.
2. She earned the nickname 'Bloody Mary' due to her persecution of Protestants, where hundreds were executed by burning at the stake.
3. Mary married Philip II of Spain, aiming to strengthen Catholic ties between England and Spain, which was unpopular among her subjects.
4. Her efforts to reverse the English Reformation led to significant resistance, causing many Protestants to flee the country.
5. Following her death, her half-sister Elizabeth I ascended to the throne, which marked a return to Protestantism and solidified its place in English history.

Review Questions

• What were the main goals of Mary I's reign, and how did these influence her policies regarding religion?
  • Mary I aimed primarily to restore Roman Catholicism in England, reversing the Protestant reforms instituted by her father Henry VIII and her half-brother Edward VI. Her policies included re-establishing papal authority and executing Protestants who resisted these changes, leading to widespread fear and resistance among the populace. This desire for a Catholic revival defined her reign and significantly impacted England's religious landscape.
• Evaluate the impact of Mary I's marriage to Philip II of Spain on her rule and public perception.
  • Mary I's marriage to Philip II of Spain was intended to strengthen Catholic alliances but ultimately had a negative impact on her rule. Many English subjects viewed this union with suspicion, fearing it would lead to Spanish dominance over English affairs. The unpopularity of this marriage contributed to dissent against her regime, which further alienated her from many of her subjects and detracted from her religious policies.
• Assess how Mary I's actions during her reign influenced future religious policies in England under Elizabeth I.
  • Mary I's harsh persecution of Protestants created a backlash that shaped the future religious landscape under Elizabeth I. The brutality of Mary's reign fostered a strong anti-Catholic sentiment that made it easier for Elizabeth to re-establish Protestantism without significant opposition. Additionally, Mary's reign highlighted the dangers of religious intolerance, prompting Elizabeth to adopt a more moderate approach known as the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which aimed to unify England under a more tolerant form of Protestantism.

Related terms

Elizabeth I: The daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I succeeded Mary I and is known for establishing Protestantism firmly in England.

Protestant Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestant churches and reform of the Roman Catholic Church.

Spanish Inquisition: A judicial institution established in Spain to maintain Catholic orthodoxy, which influenced Mary's approach to religious reform and persecution.