Marriage to Phillip of Spain

Question 1

Potential marriage suitors

Answer 1

Edward Courtenay (Earl of Devon)
-Brought threat of faction rivalry
-Lacked courtly skills
-Many, including Mary, found him unsuitable
-He was English so no foreign power could be gained
Phillip of Spain
-Mary had personal preference
-Phillip’s father was keen on match
-English public opinion was hostile

Question 2

Marriage treaty

Answer 2

-Phillip was to be given king title but exercise none of its power
-No foreigners were permitted to hold English office
-If Mary predeceased Phillip, he would have no claim to the throne

Question 3

The state of the marriage

Answer 3

-Married in 1554, Phillip spent little time in England
-Parliament tried to delay his coronation
-Met two days before the wedding, couldn’t speak the same language
-Phillip lacked social skills
-Mary thought she was pregnant twice
-Phillip tried to intergrade himself into court by giving pensions of his own money
-Followers disgusted by lack of deference
-Tensions between nationalities were high