Historical Context Flashcards
When was the ‘Devise’ for the succession drawn up?
1553
What did the Devise do?
Changed the succession so that LJG became queen
Excluded Mary + Elizabeth from the succession on the grounds of their illegitimacy
When did Edward VI die?
6th July 1553
Why was Mary distracted in 1553/at the start of her reign?
Because of the LJG, Mary had to fight for her position
When was Mary proclaimed Queen?
19th July 1553
Reasons/arguments for England not being a protestant country by the time of Edward’s death in 1553? (time, changes, area)
Edward only ruled for 6 years, at the start of his reign Protestantism lacked popular support, was it possible to change a nation’s beliefs in such little time?
Major moves towards Protestantism were only brought in during the last few months eg second prayer book, act of uniformity, 42 articles, these had little time to make impact
Reasons/arguments for England not being a protestant country by the time of Edward’s death in 1553? (difficulty of changes, public reaction)
Imposing changes was not always an easy process eg with the struggle to remove images, so these changes might not have been embraced at local level
The number of religious changes since the break with Rome had left many confused + religiously indifferent, they accepted the changes because they were told to, but did not fully welcome or oppose them
Reasons/arguments for England not being a protestant country by the time of Edward’s death in 1553? (area)
The only area where there is evidence of the new religion being welcomed is in London and some of the Southern counties such as East Anglia
Reasons/arguments for England being a protestant country by the time of Edward’s death in 1553?
Officially, England was a Protestant nation
Churchwarden accounts suggests that the reforms had been carried out. Churches had been changed, altars had been replaced with communion tables
When did Mary give her proclamation on religion?
16th August 1553
What did the Proclamation suggest?
That Mary intended to proceed cautiously
“desires that all her subjects would quietly follow suit. However she will not compel any to this until further decisions are made”
What was the pubic reaction to Mary becoming Queen?
Mary was welcomed with great enthusiasm, bells were rung.
Large numbers turned out for her coronation, suggests she was welcome, although need to consider if this was due to her religious views or if she was a legitimate ruler
Was Mary relgious?
Yes, she was the daughter of Catherine of Aragon so not surprising that she was a devout Catholic.
She believed that Edward’s death at a young age was a sign that God was on her side + had brought her to the throne to restore her rightful position
Why does the Wyatt Rebellion being used as evidence of displeasure with the religious changes need to be taken with caution?
The rebellion took place before Mary had carried out any significant religious changes
It appears that it was more of a reaction to the fears of a Spanish marriage
Could be argued that the marriage might make it easier for Mary to impose changes & secure a Catholic succession
