Royal Authority and Government Flashcards
Why does Christopher Haigh call Mary’s accession a ‘revolution’?
- Popular support for Mary v N’land
- It was a surprise and embarrassment to politicians and leaders
Why did the Devyse fail?
- N’land attempted to interfere with legitimate succession - compounded by promoting claims of won daughter in law. Many believed N’land just trying to hold onto power.
- N’land behaviour = illegal and even upset his committed supporters on the Council (N’land had little positive support)
- Mary’s behaviour = decisive. Acted bravely and quickly gathering support from nobility, gentry and ordinary folk.
How did the Devyse fail?
- M gathered Cath supporters (incl nobles) in Norfolk.
- N’land summoned troops and naval squadron to wait off coast of Great Yarmouth to intercept M
- Norfolk people NOT support N’land due to cruelty during Kett Rebellion
- Naval ships = disloyal to N’land and declare allegiance to M
- Council decided - proclaim M as Q 19th July 1553
- N’land realised plan failed, proclaimed M as Q in Cambridge 20th July 1553
How have historians’ views changed on the reasons for popular support for M?
- Previous view = due to support for legitimate succession
- Now Haigh = scale of popularity reflects support for Catholicism esp due to confiscation of Church goods during EdVI reign
How was Mary’s accession greeted?
Favourably - debatable whether due to support for legitimacy or Catholicism
What was Mary’s main priority?
To restore the Catholic faith
What problems did Mary face?
Religion:
- Fundamental divisions.
- A Catholic in a kingdom with substantial Protestant minority
Background:
- Had not been brought up to rule
- Little instinct for politics
Supporters:
- Loyal supporters had no serious experience of govt
- e.g. Rochester, Waldegrave, Jerningham and Bedingfield
Councillors:
- Had to rely on EdVI’s councillors
- They had implemented Protestant changes she disagreed with
Who were Mary’s new councillors?
Bishop Steven Gardiner:
- Upheld religious conservatism in EdVI’s reign -> imprisoned
- Restored to Bishop of Winchester and aptd Lord Chancellor
Other Churchmen excluded in EdVI’s reign
Conservatives who had served EdVI:
- e.g. Lord Paget
What are historians’ views on M council having 50 councillors?
- Some assert this led to inefficient and faction ridden govt backed by fact that most imp decision to marry Philip II was NOT discussed formally in Council
- However, this is misleading as M regarded councillor title as honorary. Actual working council = much smaller and dominated by experienced men e.g. Gardiner, Winchester and Paget. Trusted advisor Pole was not even a mber of Privy Council
Which key councillors was Mary never quite at ease with?
- Mary lost confidence in Paget as he was opposed to her religious programme of Roman Cath
- Never fully trusted Gardiner - failed to support her mother Cath of A
However he was indispensable, his death 1555 left a huge gap esp as Pole distanced himself from secular (non religious) issues.
As a consequence, which 2 foreigners did Mary use for advice?
a) Philip II of Spain - husband from 1554
b) Simon Renard - ambassador of cousin and father in law Charles V
What was the relationship like between Mary and Parliament?
- Usually one of cautious co-operation
- Substantial minority of MPs (80) opposed reversal of EdVI legislation and other egs of opposition to her policies
- Concerns for property rights (motivated by self interest) ensured that ex monastic lands = NOT restored to the Church -> M did not force this
- Bill 1555 allowing seizure of Protestant exiles property = defeated
- Quarrelled re succession
