Mary I - The Spanish marriage, 1554 - RG1 Flashcards
How old was Mary when she came to the throne? Why did this worry her?
She was 37 when she came to the throne
She was anxious to marry and produce a Catholic heir - she was potentially too old to do so.
Who did Mary marry?
Philip of Spain
How did the public react to the marriage?
English public opinion was hostile and a parliamentary delegation was unable to dissuade Mary from her intentions.
What title was Philip given? Why was he not able to exercise any of the powers that went with the title?
He was given the title of King.
However he was unable to exercise any of the powers that went with the title as no foreigners were permitted to hold English offices.
Did Philip have a claim to the English Crown as a result of the marriage?
No, if Mary predeceased Phillip then he would have no claim on the English Crown.
Why was Philip unimpressed with Mary and England?
Mary was 11 years older than him.
He disliked the English weather and the English court and people, who were unwelcoming.
How did Parliament react to Mary’s marriage to Philip?
1554 - rejected a bill that would have specifically included Phillip along with Mary in a proposed new law on treason
1555 - it prevented Phillip’s coronation as King
