Succession of Elizabeth I

Question 1

What were the complications following Mary’s reign for the next succession and why?

Answer 1

She had left no direct heir through Children as her hope to secure a succession through her marriage to Philip II had failed.

Question 2

Who was due to inherit the throne according to Henry VIII’s succession acts?

Answer 2

Mary’s half-sister Elizabeth.

Question 3

Why did Mary dislike the idea of Elizabeth inheriting the throne and who would she have preferred?

Answer 3

Disliked because of their religious differences and would have preferred her cousin Margret Douglas or Reginald Pole.

Question 4

When did Mary die and Elizabeth acceed her?

Answer 4

November 17th 1558.

Question 5

What 2 things did Mary ask Elizabeth to do after her death according to a servant of the King of Spain?

Answer 5

Maintain the old religion as the Queen has restored it;
Pay the Queens debts.

Question 6

Does Mary have authority to make these requests?

Answer 6

Yes - as queen, but once the throne is inherited - Mary’s wishes are secondary to the reigning monarch.

Question 7

What evidence is there in the successions that religion was a more important consideration than legitimacy in settling the succession to the crown?

Answer 7

Mary - would prefer a non relation than to have a protestant;
Henry VIII - religion is less important - male heir, followed by daughters but not in religion order;
Edward - entirely focused on religion - LJG over Mary.