Problems with succession Flashcards
When mary became queen what problems did she face?
-She inherited a kingdom which was divided religiously
-She was a catholic in a kingdom with a substantial Protestant minority.
-she had not been brought up to rule, had little political instinct.
-Her loyal and trusted supporters had no experience in govt.
-She had to rely on those who previously served Edward
The Spanish marriage
1554
-Mary saw it as essential t get married to produce a catholic heir in order to continue the Tudor dynasty, as she was regarded as quite old, 37.
Who was the Englishman Mary could’ve married?
Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon
-Supported by Stephen Gardiner
Reasons for the marriage to Courtenay
-Would’ve prevented a foreign marriage
Reasons against the marriage to Courtenay
-Could pose a threat of factional rivalry—> the husbands family would become more influential
-He lacked courtly skills= seen as an unsuitable candidate
-Mary never took him seriously as a potential husband
Reasons for the marriage to Phillip of Spain
-Catholic succession might’ve been guaranteed
-Mary had an obvious preference for Phillip—> this idea was reinforced by her main adviser who was Spanish
Reasons against the marriage to Phillip of Spain
-Fear of foreign involvement in English affairs
-A treaty was created by parliament to dissuade Mary from her marriage
-He was a catholic
-Parl was worried about Phillip bringing Spanish advisers
-Phillip himself was against it.
In the marriage treaty between Phillip and Mary what was stated?
-Phillip was to be given the title of king but was to exercise none of the power that went with it.
-No foreigners were to be permitted to hold English offices
-If Mary were to die before Phillip, he would have no claim on the English throne.
What did parliament do after their marriage?
1554:
-They rejected a bill that would specifically have included Phillip along with Mary in a proposed new law on treason
1555:
-Because of that it prevented his coronation as king.
