Mary I - Ministers Flashcards
Why did the devyse fail?
Many viewed it as an attempt from Northumberland to gain power by promoting the claims of his son’s wife. He had little support from the Council but Mary had support from the nobility, gentry and ordinary people
What were the problems for Mary upon accession?
She inherited a kingdom with fundamental religious divisions
Catholic in a country with a substantial Protestant minority
Had not been brought up to rule
Her trusted supporters, Rochester, Waldegrave, Jerningham and Bedingfield had no serious experience in government
She would have to rely on those who were implicated in Edward’s religious reforms
Who were her new councillors?
She appointed 50 councillors
Stephen Gardiner - a steadfast upholder of religious conservatism during Edward’s reign
Other churchmen who had been excluded from influence during Edward’s reign
Conservative councillors, most importantly Lord Paget
Who was Cardinal Pole?
The Archbishop of Canterbury under Mary in 1554
What was Mary’s relationship with parliament?
Cautious cooperation
Substantial minority of around 80 MPs opposed the reversal of the Edwardian religious legislation. A bill in 1555 to allow the seizure of property of Protestant exiles was defeated.
Who was the English candidate for marriage?
Edward Courtenay was Gardiner’s choice. However marriage to an Englishman brought the threat of factional rivalry as the husband’s family would become more influential. He lacked courtly skills and Mary never took him seriously as a potential husband.
Who supported the marriage to Philip of Spain?
Simon Renard. However English public opinion was hostile and a parliamentary delegation had attempted to unsuccessfully dissuade Mary from her intentions.
When was the marriage treaty?
January 1554
What was in the marriage treaty?
Philip was to be given the title of king but could exercise none of the power that went with the title.
No foreigners could hold English offices. If Mary predeceased Philip than the latter would have no claim on the English crown.
When were they married?
July 1554
What bill did parliament reject?
1554 parliament rejected a bill that would have specifically included Philip along with Mary in a proposed new law on treason and in 1555 it prevented his coronation as king.
What were the proposed plans fo the succession?
Overthrow of the Devyse led to restoration of Henry VIII’s will. Mary would be succeeded by Elizabeth.
What happened to Elizabeth?
She had been confined to the Tower after the Wyatt rebellion of 1554. Mary believed that Elizabeth was implicated but she had no evidence so Elizabeth was released after two months and was kept under house arrest.
When did Mary name Elizabeth as her successor?
6 November 1558 - she died 11 days later
Why were her foreign policy aims at odds?
It would be difficult for England to stay neutral in the Franco-Spanish conflict. The Pope was very anti-Spanish so Mary found herself effectively at war with the Papacy
