Mary I of England: The Queen Who Changed History

Introduction

Mary I, also known as "Bloody Mary," was England's first queen regnant. Her moniker comes from her persecution of Protestant reformers in her attempt to restore Catholicism to England. However, this focus on religious persecution has overshadowed her significant reign and historical importance.

Mary made history as the first crowned queen of England, opening doors for future female monarchs. During her five-year reign (1553-1558), she brought about major social changes in England and set important precedents for royal power. Her rule involved more than just religious oppression:

• Breaking barriers for women in leadership during a time when men held most positions of power

• Establishing diplomatic ties through her marriage to Philip II of Spain

• Introducing social welfare reforms

• Upgrading England's navy

• Expanding trade relationships with other countries
  

Therefore, in this blog post, we will reexamine Mary's reign in an attempt to set the record straight - that is, to present a more balanced view of her.

Early Life and Claim to the Throne

Mary Tudor's life began with such promise. Born in 1516 at the Palace of Placentia, she was the only surviving child of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. She was doted on by her parents and enjoyed a privileged early childhood filled with education, music and preparation for her future role as a European princess.

Yet her world would be shattered in 1533 when Henry VIII declared his marriage to Catherine invalid. At age 17, Mary was stripped of her title as princess, declared illegitimate and forced to serve in the household of her new half-sister, Elizabeth. The Act of Succession 1534 removed her place in the line of succession, transforming her from "The Pearl of the Realm" to "The Lady Mary."

Despite personal beliefs, Mary signed the Submission to the Act of Succession in 1536, acknowledging her own illegitimacy and accepting her half-brother Edward's claim to the throne. This strategic decision preserved her life during Henry VIII's volatile reign.

Mary faced further challenges after her father died in 1547. During her brother Edward's rule (1547-1553), she faced considerable pressure to conform to Protestantism. Edward's council prohibited her from celebrating Mass privately and constantly threatened her with legal consequences for practising Catholicism.

When Edward died in July 1553, he named his Protestant cousin, Lady Jane Grey, his heir even though Mary was next in line of succession. However, Mary rallied support among nobles and commoners. Her triumphant entrance into London marked the beginning of her reign as England's first crowned queen regnant.

Despite the harassment and intimidation she had endured under Edward's reign and the attempted denial of her inheritance, Mary allowed him to be buried with Protestant rites, honouring his personal faith even though it contradicted her own Catholic belief.

Coronation, Symbolism, and Marian Imagery

Mary I's coronation at Westminster Abbey on 1st October 1553 marked a historic moment as England crowned its first undisputed queen regnant. The ceremony combined traditional elements with new symbolism to legitimise female rule. She was crowned three times, wearing the three crowns of England - St. Edward's Crown, the Imperial Crown and a specially made coronation crown.

The period after her coronation saw a deliberate use of Marian imagery to strengthen Mary's position:

• Portraits depicted her as Maria Regina, emphasising both royal authority and maternal qualities

• Religious symbols, including a prominent cross and reliquary, reinforced her Catholic identity

• Official seals and coins featured her image with regal attributes traditionally reserved for male monarchs

A portrait by Anthonis Mor in 1554 portrayed Mary as a married queen, possibly pregnant, symbolising the union between England and the Habsburg Empire. This image was widely circulated throughout European courts, establishing Mary's presence in international politics. The portrait strategy worked to project power, legitimacy, and the promise of succession - crucial elements for a female monarch in the 16th century.

Religious Persecution, Marriage to Philip II and Public Resistance

Mary I's rise to power significantly changed England's religious landscape. Her desire to restore Catholicism resulted in the reversal of Protestant reforms and the reestablishment of papal authority. The queen's marriage to Philip II of Spain in 1554 further strengthened these Catholic connections, although she ensured that England remained independent from Spanish control.

Persecution of Protestants

Under Mary's rule, the persecution of Protestants escalated. Almost 300 religious dissenters were executed, earning her the infamous nickname "Bloody Mary." Some of the most prominent victims included:

• Archbishop Thomas Cranmer

• Bishop Hugh Latimer

• Bishop Nicholas Ridley

These burnings at the stake primarily occurred in southeastern England, with significant numbers in:

1. London (37 executions)

2. Canterbury (41 executions)

3. Colchester (25 executions)

Burning at the stake as punishment for heresy was practised across Europe during the medieval and early modern periods, especially during the 16th century. Estimated number are listed below.

• Spain: The Spanish Inquisition executed approximately 3,000-5,000 people by burning between 1480-1700 (about 100-150 per decade during the 16th century)

• Portugal: The Portuguese Inquisition executed around 1,200-1,800 people by burning between 1536-1821

• France: Approximately 500-1,000 Protestants were burned during the 16th century

• The Low Countries: Under Charles V and Philip II, approximately 1,300-2,000 Protestants were executed (many by burning) between 1523-and 1566

• Scotland: Around 50-80 religious dissenters were burned in the 16th century

• German states and Holy Roman Empire: Several hundred heretics were burned, with numbers varying significantly by region and principality

Growing Resistance and Underground Movements

The religious persecution under Mary heightened social tensions, leading to the emergence of underground Protestant movements and increasing resistance to her Catholic reforms. These actions solidified her reputation as a merciless defender of Catholicism, overshadowing any accomplishments she may have had as England's first queen regnant.

Political Implications of Mary's Marriage

Mary's marriage to Philip II brought political benefits, but it also sparked public opposition. The alliance with Spain aimed to secure a Catholic succession and strengthen England's position against France. However, the terms of their marriage carefully limited Philip's power - he was prohibited from appointing Spaniards to English positions or involving England in Spanish wars without obtaining permission from Parliament.

Challenges Faced by Mary I and Public Perception

Mary's marriage to Philip II of Spain on 25th July 1554 sparked marked public resistance. Many English feared that Habsburg domination would reduce England to Spanish territory. Wyatt's Rebellion in 1554 demonstrated the depth of this discontent as protestors marched through London opposing the Spanish match.

The alliance aimed to strengthen England's position against France and secure Catholic support in Europe. Mary navigated these challenges by negotiating strict marriage terms that protected English sovereignty. The agreement prevented Philip from appointing Spaniards to English offices and restricted Spanish influence in domestic affairs.

Despite these safeguards, public opposition persisted. Anti-Spanish sentiment grew as Philip's extended absences and Mary's inability to produce an heir created political instability. This opposition had deep historical roots in England, particularly in London and the southeast, where commercial competition with Spanish merchants was most intense and Protestant sympathies strongest. Furthermore, English travellers' accounts of the Spanish Inquisition had further fostered negative stereotypes of Spanish cruelty and arrogance, especially among the literate urban population of London.

In 1557, Philip convinced Mary to enter the ongoing conflict between Spain and France despite earlier assurances that England would not be drawn into Spanish wars. When Mary honoured their alliance and declared war on France in June 1557, it confirmed many English subjects' fears about Spanish influence over English foreign policy.

The war would be disastrous; with limited military preparedness and a depleted treasury, England lost Calais to the French in 1558. This damaged Mary's reputation and was enormous to the English pride as Calais had been part of the realm since 1347, the reign of Edward III.

Historical Reputation vs. Reality: The Misconceptions Surrounding Mary I

John Foxe's 'Acts and Monuments', commonly known as the 'Book of Martyrs', played a crucial role in shaping Mary I's historical reputation. It was published in 1563, long after Mary's reign, portraying her as a ruthless tyrant. In a cruel twist of fate, it would eventually become her lasting legacy.

The book's graphic illustrations and dramatic accounts of Protestant martyrs captured the public imagination, leading to several misconceptions:

• False: Mary I executed more people than other Tudor monarchs - Historical records show Elizabeth I executed significantly more during her reign

• False: Mary I killed Protestants indiscriminately - The persecution targeted specific religious dissidents who repeatedly refused to recant their Protestant beliefs, not random individuals.

• False: Mary I only began executing Protestants because of her phantom pregnancy - Parliament restored heresy laws in January 1555, while her phantom pregnancy (announced in November 1554) was not recognised as false until July 1555.

• False: Mary I acted alone in her religious policies - Her actions aligned with standard European practices of the time.

These distortions originated from Protestant propaganda aimed at legitimising Elizabeth I's reign. The 'Book of Martyrs' became required reading in parish churches, ensuring its anti-Mary narrative reached wide audiences across generations.

Was Mary Tudor More Brutal Than Her Family?

The idea that "Bloody Mary" stood apart from her Tudor relatives in terms of religious persecution is certainly untrue. While the ferociousness of Mary I's burning of 289 Protestants remains a dark chapter in English history, the entire Tudor dynasty employed violence to enforce religious compliance.

During Henry VIII's reign, widespread executions occurred, including the brutal hanging, drawing, and quartering of those who opposed his religious changes. Notable victims included Elizabeth Barton, the only woman to have her head displayed on London Bridge, and about 220–250 men were executed after the Pilgrimage of Grace Revolt. In addition, the 67-year-old Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, was beheaded without trial simply because Henry was angry with her son.

Edward VI's response to the Prayer Book Riots was particularly savage. In Clyst Heath, 900 were bound and gagged and had their throats slit, and the death toll in the West Country was 5,500 people.

Elizabeth I's persecution of Catholics was extensive and systematic. By 1585, any priest ordained after 1559 found in England faced automatic execution for treason, as did anyone sheltering them. The Northern Uprising's suppression resulted in 450 executions.

If comparing the numbers, Mary executed 289 people for heresy over five years, Henry VIII allegedly executed 72,000 people (though this figure requires verification), and Elizabeth's Catholic persecution lasted decades. Edward VI's forces killed thousands in just one uprising.

When viewed in context, Mary's severe actions aligned with the Tudor methods of religious enforcement rather than surpassing them. Each Tudor monarch demonstrated a willingness to use extreme force to maintain religious control and conformity. Thus, Mary was not an anomaly but rather a product of her dynasty's approach to religious governance.

For those interested in exploring more about the Tudor period and its historical significance, Hidden Tudors Tours offers immersive experiences that delve into this fascinating era.

Reassessing Mary I: A Look at Linda Porter's Biography

Linda Porter's groundbreaking biography The First Queen of England: The Myth of "Bloody Mary" challenges traditional narratives about Mary I's reign. Porter presents Mary as a resilient leader who:

• Demonstrated exceptional political skill in navigating court intrigues

• Successfully defended her rightful claim to the throne against powerful opponents

• Maintained England's independence while negotiating strategic alliances

• Pioneered reforms in naval administration and local government

The biography reveals Mary's intellectual abilities, with her fluency in multiple languages and competency in managing state affairs. Porter's research also sheds light on Mary's determination to establish herself as a legitimate ruler in a male-dominated world, setting precedents for future female monarchs.

Porter argues that Mary's reputation as a bloodthirsty tyrant overshadows her accomplishments as England's first queen regnant - a woman who proved that female rulers could effectively govern a nation during turbulent times.

Mary I's Legacy and Elizabeth I's Inheritance

The sisters' contrasting reigns shaped public perception of female leadership. Mary's determination to rule independently proved women could hold the throne effectively, paving the way for Elizabeth's "Golden Age."

Administrative and Economic Reforms

• Currency reform: Mary tackled the debasement of coinage that had occurred under Henry VIII and Edward VI, restoring the silver content of English currency. This financial stabilisation benefited Elizabeth, who inherited a more reliable currency system.

• Administrative reforms: Mary reorganised aspects of government administration and record-keeping, creating more efficient systems that Elizabeth maintained and expanded.

International Relations and Defense

• Trade expansion: Mary established new trade connections, particularly with Russia, through the Muscovy Company in 1555. Elizabeth inherited these valuable trade relationships.

• Naval improvements: Mary strengthened the navy, continuing a Tudor tradition that Elizabeth would famously expand upon during her reign.

Social Welfare

• Poor relief initiatives: Mary reestablished and expanded programmes to assist the destitute, including restoring some monasteries that had provided social services before the Dissolution. Elizabeth later built upon these foundations when developing the Elizabethan Poor Laws.

Mary's Influence on Future Queens

Mary's reign established significant administrative precedents:

• Creation of new governmental procedures for a queen regnant

• Development of ceremonial protocols specific to female monarchs

• Implementation of diplomatic strategies balancing gender expectations with royal authority

These innovations benefited subsequent queens, including:

• Queen Anne (1702-1714)

• Queen Victoria (1837-1901)

• Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022)

Conclusion: Rethinking the Legacy of Mary I of England Beyond the 'Bloody Mary' Label

History's portrayal of Mary I demands a critical reassessment. The simplistic "Bloody Mary" label fails to capture the complexities of England's first crowned queen regnant, and her reign marked pivotal achievements. Although the persecution and gruesome execution of Protestants should not and can never be excused, Mary deserved to be remembered for much more. The true measure of Mary's reign lies not in propaganda-driven nicknames but in her groundbreaking role as a sovereign queen who paved the way for future female monarchs.Mary I: The Queen Who Changed History.

For those interested in exploring the nuanced history beyond the "Bloody Mary" stereotype, Hidden Tudors Tours offers an immersive experience through the streets of Westminster where Mary I's story unfolded. Join the Beyond Bloody Mary Walk and discover the multifaceted ruler whose legacy extended far beyond religious persecution.