Problems of Succession Flashcards
Why was Mary anxious to get married?
To produce an heir for her Catholic succession - she was 37
Who was her Eng candidate for marriage?
Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon:
- Gardiner’s choice - possibly to prevent foreign marriage
- Marriage to Eng man = threat of factional rivalry - his family would become more influential
- He lacked courtly skills = unsuitable
How was Mary’s personal choice (Phillip II) viewed?
Supporters:
- Simon Renard - Sp subject, Catholic, politically respected
- Philip’s father Charles V offered advice, guidance and moral support
Difficulties:
-Eng public opinion = hostile
- Parliamentary delegation attempted unsuccessfully to dissuade Mary.
What was said in the marriage treaty drawn up in an attempt to allay fears?
- Philip to be given title of king but exercise no power from that title
- No foreigners were to be permitted to hold Eng offices
- If Mary predeceased Philip then latter could have no claim of Eng crown
Was it a successful marriage?
- Met 1st time 23rd July 1554, took place at Winchester Cathedral 2 days later
- Phillip’s initial experience reinforced his prejudices
- English court + people = unwelcoming, instant hostility from courtiers
- Mary 11 years older
- Philip resolved to spending as little time as possible in Eng.
What did the succession act of 1544 say?
- M’s overthrow of N’land + Devyse restored H8 will
- M would be succeeded by Eliz if died childless
- E = Prot, likely to move religious policy.
What was M’s view of Elizabeth?
- Personified the reason for the breakdown of her mother’s marriage to H8
- To deny her right to succession would require parliamentary legislation to overturn 1544 Act or E’s disqualification through treason.
What happened after Wyatt’s rebellion in 1544?
- Eliz confined to ToL
- Although M suspected she was implicated in rebellion, she had no proof + was more reluctant than H8 to pursue treason charges with no evidence.
- E released from ToL after 2 months + put under house arrest in a succession of country residences.
- Attempts to change succession through Acts of Parliament came to nothing
What did Mary reluctantly have to accept?
- Eliz as heir
- She was childless + Philip decided she was least unacceptable option
- M health worsened - E realised all she needed was patience
- Her confinement became fairly comfortable with few restrictions of visitors so was acquainted with details of M’s illness.
- M named E as her successor 6th Nov 1558 and died 11 days later.
