Mary-I
Mary-I, also known as Mary Tudor or Bloody Mary, was the Queen of England from 1553 until her death in 1558. Here is a detailed overview:
Early Life
- Born on February 18, 1516, at Palace of Greenwich, Mary was the only surviving child of Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
- Her early life was marked by the tumultuous political and religious changes in England, including her parents' divorce when she was declared illegitimate in 1533 following her father's marriage to Anne Boleyn.
Reign and Policies
- Mary ascended to the throne after the death of her half-brother, Edward VI, in 1553. Her reign was characterized by efforts to restore Catholicism in England.
- She married Philip II of Spain in 1554, hoping to secure a Catholic heir and strengthen her position both domestically and internationally.
- Her policies included the Marian Persecutions, which led to the execution of nearly 300 religious dissenters, earning her the nickname Bloody Mary.
- Despite her efforts, Mary failed to restore papal authority in England. The legislation she passed, known as the Marian Reaction, was repealed after her death.
Health and Death
- Mary's health deteriorated over her reign, exacerbated by multiple false pregnancies. She died on November 17, 1558, at St. James's Palace, London, at the age of 42.
- She was succeeded by her half-sister, Elizabeth I, who reversed many of Mary's religious policies.
Legacy
- Mary's reign is often viewed as a failure due to her inability to secure a Catholic succession and her harsh religious policies. However, she is also remembered for her personal piety and her determination.
- Her legacy includes the restoration of the Catholic Mass, although this was short-lived, and her efforts to unite England with Spain through marriage.
For further reading and detailed historical accounts, you can consult:
See Also