MARY I GOVERNMENT

Question 1

WHEN was Mary I declared queen, and by WHO?

Answer 1

19th July 1553, by the Council

Question 2

HOW did Mary I take power?

Answer 2

After Lady Jane Grey became queen, Mary quickly gained support, particularly among the Catholic nobility. Northumberland raised troops to face Mary’s, but most of the English people disliked Northumberland and swore allegiance to Mary.

Question 3

WHY was Mary I able to gain support so quickly?

Answer 3

• She had a lot of popular support
• She had appeal as she was Catholic
• Northumberland’s actions were seen as immoral, illegal and selfishly trying to gain power. This upset even his Councillors
• Mary acted bravely and decisively

Question 4

WHAT problems did Mary I face as she came to the throne (1553)?

Answer 4

• England had fundamental religious divides
• She as a person had little political instinct
• Her most loyal and trusted supporters had little experience in proper government
• She was forced to work with people who had enforced Protestant policies under EdVI

Question 5

WHO were some key councillors at the beginning of Mary’s reign?

Answer 5

• Bishop Stephen Gardiner (worked with HVIII and religiously conservative)
• Lord Paget (conservative councillor who worked with EdVI)
• Others included those who had been excluded from influence under EdVI

Question 6

HOW MANY councillors did Mary I have throughout her reign?

Answer 6

50 in total

Question 7

WHAT do different historians say about the number of councillors Mary I had during her reign?

Answer 7

• Some say the large number implies that government under Mary was inefficient and faction-led.
• Others say that there is evidence that Mary used the councillor role as an honorary title, and that a smaller number of people actually worked in the council actively.

Question 8

WHO are some of Mary I’s advisors that weren’t in the Council?

Answer 8

Cardinal Pole, Philip of Spain (her husband), and Simon Renard (ambassador of Charles V)

Question 9

WHAT was the relationship between Mary I and Parliament like?

Answer 9

• ‘Cautious cooperation’
• Many MPs opposed the returning of ex-monastic property as many of them owned said land and worried about property rights
• There was a quarrel between Mary and Parliament on succession