Mary's Accession Flashcards
1
Q
What was the first devise?
A
- Edward excluded his half-sisters on the grounds of illegitimacy
- He stated that the crown should pass to Lady Jane’s male heirs
2
Q
What was the second devise?
A
- Written on the 12th June
- This stated that the throne would pass to Lady Jane Grey and her male heirs as there was no time for Jane to have children as Edward was obviously dying
3
Q
Why did Edward write the devises?
A
- In attempt to override the 3rd Act of Succession which would put Mary next in line for the throne
- As Edward was a strong Protestant, he would not want his Catholic sister to undo all his religious reforms
4
Q
What evidence is there that there was significant threat to Mary’s accession?
A
- When Edward died, his death was kept secret for 2 days thus giving her little time to prepare
- Many important people including the Lord Chancellor, Privy Councillors, Lord Mayor of London signed the devise
- Lady Jane Grey was taken to the Tower of London and proclaimed queen
- Mary appealed to Charles V for assistance but the emperors ambassador feared nothing could be done as no senior nobles or Privy Councillors had declared for Mary
- Northumberland was executed on the 22nd August showing his threat had to be taken seriously
5
Q
What evidence is there that there was little threat to Mary’s accession?
A
- Many people were apprehensive to sign the devise and only did so after being forced by Northumberland
- Lady Jane Grey was made queen against her will
- The devises were not legally binding whereas the Third Act of Succession was statute
- Northumberland set out with 2,000 men to defeat Mary whereas Mary’s forces numbered 20,000. Many deserted Northumberland en route despite him raising their pay whereas Mary’s forces had been blostered by the arrival of the Earl of Oxford
- When Mary entered London she was met with ‘mass enthusiasms on 3rd August - especially significant as London was majority Protestant
