Mary I
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 1.1.4
Mary I
Mary became queen on a wave of public approval. But the reasons for this cannot be clear. Was it that the succession had passed to the next Tudor, the legal heir? Or was it that people wanted Catholicism restored?
Mary I's personality
- Mary was well educated, serious and intelligent. She had survived many ups and downs, including the divorce of her parents and rejection by her father.
- Mary was religious, courageous, sometimes emotional and could be passionate but was also prone to melancholy.
- Her attitude towards Elizabeth I has been described as ‘hatred’ and ‘scornful’.
Mary I's health
- By the time she became queen, Mary I was not physically robust. She suffered with anxiety, bouts of insomnia and neuralgia.
- As the reign progressed she became very focused on producing a Catholic heir, leading to phantom pregnancy and mental health problems.
- When Mary believed herself to be pregnant, she withdrew into confinement (as would be expected) but also suffered more bouts of depression and anxiety.
Mary I's approach to government
- The Privy Chamber became less important under Mary I, although male influence and interests could be channelled through their wives and lovers.
Popular attitudes towards Mary I
- Mary I is often remembered as an unpopular queen.
- Protestants constructed this image after Mary I's death.
- Although she did execute Protestants, her father did the same. This forces us to question her nickname, 'Bloody Mary'.
- Historians such as Duffy suggest that many welcomed the restoration of Catholicism.
- Mary was largely unpopular due to her marriage to the Prince of Spain. People believed Spanish interests were being prioritised over English interests.
Test yourself on Mary I
What is Mary's nickname?