2. Problems of Succession Flashcards
How did Mary view the issue of succession?
Mary believed it was essential for her to produce an heir so that a catholic succession would be guaranteed.
Who were the two candidates to marry Mary?
Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon and Philip of Spain
What were the advantages of marrying the Earl of Devon?
Would prevent a foreign marriage.
What were the disadvantages of marrying the Earl of Devon?
Marriage to an Englishman brought the threat of factional rivalry, as the husband’s family would become influential.
Courtenay also lacked courtly skills and was seen as unsuitable by many
What were the advantages of marrying Phillip of Spain?
His father, Charles V, had advised and supported Mary and was keen on the match
Philip was willing to ‘do his duty’
What were the disadvantages of marrying Phillip of Spain?
English opinion was hostile, many believed that, as Philip was monarch of Spain and was a man, he would assert power over Mary.
How did Mary dispel fears of her marriage to Phillip of Spain?
She drew up a marriage treaty…
Philip would be given the title of King but had none of the power that came with the title.
No foreigners could hold English office
If Mary died, Phillip would have no claim to the throne.
When did Phillip and Mary get married?
25th July 1554.
Parliament was unhappy with this marriage and rejected a bill in 1554, preventing Philip’s coronation as King.
What did the succession Act of 1544 decree?
Decreed that Mary would be succeeded by her half-sister, Elizabeth, should she die childless.
Why did Mary oppose the plans for succession?
Because Elizabeth was a known protestant.
She believed Elizabeth was illegitimate and had no moral right to succeed the throne.
How did Mary deal with Elizabeth?
Elizabeth was held in the Tower of London after Wyatt’s Rebellion in January 1554.
However, there was no compelling evidence that she was involved so Mary didn’t to pursue treason charges and Elizabeth was freed.
How did Mary try to alter succession?
Parliamentary legislation was needed to overturn the 1544 Act.
However, attempts to change the succession through Act of Parliament came to nothing.
Childless Mary was forced to accept the succession of Elizabeth.
She formally named Elizabeth her successor on 6th November 1588.
When did Mary I die?
17th November 1558.
