Summary
Summary Mary I: Introduction to her reign
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- AQA
Document that explores Mary I coming to the throne after the death of Edward VI
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1Mary I
• G.R.Elton (1974): sees that there were no positive achievements in her reign, she lacked the
essentials of being a ruler and died disliked by nearly all
• C. Erickson (1978): There is no monument dedicated to Mary in England, she is known as
Bloody Mary remembered for her slaughter of Protestants but did rise to the challenge of
economic crises, rebellion and religious upheaval
• R.Tittler (1991): Viewed dimly for the brevity of her reign, proportionately high amount of time
spent on establishing the regime and she had a lot to burden; because of the shortness of her
reign it is difficult to make a proper assessment of her reign
• P.Williams (1995): Recognises that some Historians have treated her harshly as she portrayed
as the arch enemy of the true religion and is not recognised for her other policies. She is also
viewed negatively for her sterility
Does the Historiography change between 1974 and 1995?
There is a shift in the view of Mary between 1974 and 1995. Elton is not short in condemning her
for her inabilities as a female ruler and that she did not have what it took to be a political ruler. He
castigates her for devoting her time to matters relating to religion and argue that she neglected
other areas of her rule. However Williams, is more sympathetic to Mary’s cause and condemns the
harsh propaganda that has been set against her. Furthermore, throughout history there has been a
proportionately high focus on the negative things she did in her reign and not on the positive
things. This shift could be as a result of stronger feminist coming to fruition in society that looks
beyond condemning her because of her gender and assessing her regardless of her gender but
rather her policies.
1. How did the people really view her when she died?
2. Were there many rebellions against her and if so were they all religiously motivated?
3. How was Mary viewed by the papacy?
4. Did the people want to go back to Catholicism or did they just want a legitimate ruler?
What effect did Mary’s upbringing and circumstances have on her ability to be queen?
She had a very disruptive and miserable childhood. She was decried of seeing her mother for five
years, was made illegitimate which would have been humiliating and was in constant conflict with
changing religious policies that went against her faith. Furthermore, she was quite detached from
her father and had little family she could confide in. This would have influenced her ability as
Queen as she would have been very angry and resentful, which could have influenced her radical
policies and harsh persecutions.
Compare Mary’s upbringing with Henry VI, Henry VIII and Edward VI?
Henry VI childhood: Spent most of his life in exile with his uncle Jasper Tudor and was therefore
unable to see his mother. However, he was in frequent contact with his mother and always knew of
her love and ambition for him to be King. It was her will and tenacity that led to his succession to
the throne. He was brought to believe he was the true heir.
Henry VIII: Spent most of his life believing that Arthur would one day be King. He spent little time
with his father and was brought up by his mother, sisters and grandmother. He was always allowed
to exercise his freedoms and notoriety as a prince but when Arthur died, he was thrusted with the
responsibility of being a King and his life was restricted.
Edward VI: He spent little time with his father and was mostly away from court. Henry kept him
from harms way by keeping him indoors for fear that he would contract an illness and die. His
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