Religious Change Under Mary I
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 2.1.4
Religious Change Under Mary I
Mary I restored Papal supremacy and Catholicism to England. The speed and ease of the transition back to Catholicism suggests this was welcomed.
Papal supremacy
- Heresy laws were restored in 1554 by the Act of Repeal.
- Denying the papal supremacy was a heresy punishable by death. -The Act of Supremacy was passed in 1555.
- This meant Papal supremacy over the English Church was restored.
Persecution
- Following the heresy laws, Mary I persecuted Protestants.
- For example, Archbishop Cranmer was arrested.
- 284 Protestants were executed.
- Protestants who were burned at the stake soon became martyrs.
- This is why Mary I was given the nickname, 'Bloody Mary'.
Response to Mary I's religious policy
- It is difficult to establish what people thought of Mary I restoring Catholicism.
- The speed with which Mary I restored Catholicism suggests many supported her.
- Towards the end of her reign, persecutions of Protestants were in decline. This could suggest that Mary was successful in her policies.
- Unfortunately, her untimely death meant she did not have enough time to consolidate her Catholic rule.
Test yourself on Religious Change Under Mary I
Which act restored heresy laws in 1554?
How many Protestants were executed by Mary I?