Mary I: Royal authority & Spanish marriage

Question 1

Events regarding Mary’s accession

Answer 1

Lady Jane Grey had been proclaimed Queen, but popular support for Mary was quick to appear.

Northumberland sent Navy to stop Mary, but this failed. as the soldier mutinied

Mary proclaimed Queen in much of the South

Council deserted Northumberland, supported Mary.

Rejoice on streets - whether this was due to a return to Catholicism or due to a legitimate monarch

Question 2

Who was Mary’s accession most favoured by

Answer 2

Most who refused the religious reforms under H8/Somerset/Northumberland/Edward

Devout catholics.

Question 3

What was Mary’s policy regarding government

Answer 3

Restoration of Catholicism was MORE important than Government

Question 4

Issues for Mary

Answer 4

• Inherited regional divisions
• No political acumen, not born to rule
• Catholic in a country where there was a substantial Protestant minority
• Many of her councillors were inexperienced and had no political ability - e.g. Henry Bedingfield
• Relied on Edwards councillors, however they were greatly involved in the religious reforms that were distasteful to Mary
• Mary appointed 50 councillors, leading to an inefficient and factional-rivalry ridden court. (likely the Spanish marriage wasnt discussed)
• Spanish marriage weakened her appeal

Question 5

Details of the Spanish Marriage

Answer 5

Mary longed for a Catholic marriage to produce a Catholic heir and prolong Catholicism within England.

Several suitors, English suitors weren’t favoured due to factional rivalry as the suitors family would excel socially.

Mary was eager to be married and have children - she was 37.

Question 6

Why was Phillip chosen

Answer 6

He was Spanish, Catholic and politically experienced.

Question 7

Complications of the Spanish marriage

Answer 7

Charles V was more keen than Phillip himself. But he obliged for political benefit

English opinion was VERY hostile. Parliament failed in getting Mary to rethink

English were very unwelcoming on his coming, both of Spanish and English courtiers clashed.

The marriage was a fundamental political failure because Mary failed to become pregnant.

New Pope was anti-Spanish, therefore England was on hostile terms with the Papacy

Question 8

How did Mary attempt to raise positivity regarding the marriage

Answer 8

Made it well known that:

1. Phillip had the title King, but had no power in England
2. On her death, he would not inherit the throne
3. Foreigners had no right of power in English offices

but, people were still suspicious of the marriage.