MARY I SUCCESSION

Question 1

WHY did Mary I want to get married so quickly?

Answer 1

• She needed an heir so that Catholic succession could be guaranteed
• She was relatively old for an unmarried woman (37 years old), so it had to be fairly quick

Question 2

WHO were Mary I’s options for husbands?

Answer 2

1) Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon
2) Philip of Spain

Question 3

WHAT were the arguments for Edward Courtenay as Mary I’s husband?

Answer 3

• Gardinar supported him
• To prevent a foreign marriage

Question 4

WHAT were the arguments against Edward Courtenay as Mary I’s husband?

Answer 4

• Threat of factional rivalry as his family would gain power
• He lacked courtly skills
• Many thought he was unsuitable, including Mary

Question 5

WHAT were the arguments for Philip of Spain as Mary I’s husband?

Answer 5

• Mary preferred him
• Simon Renard (Spanish ambassador) was advising her on it. He was politically experienced and Catholic
• Charles V (Philip’s father) supported Mary I and was very keen for the marriage

Question 6

WHAT were the arguments against Philip of Spain as Mary I’s husband?

Answer 6

• English opinion was hostile
• Gardiner opposed it
• Parliament attempted (unsuccessfully) to dissuade Mary from choosing him

Question 7

WHAT were the terms of Mary I and Philip of Spain’s marriage treaty?

Answer 7

• Philip had the title of king, but not the power that came with it
• If Mary died before Philip, he could not claim the English throne
  + Parliament prevented his coronation and rejected a bill that included Philip (as well as Mary) in a law on treason

Question 8

WHY was Elizabeth next in line after Mary, once she became queen?

Answer 8

Mary had restored HVIII’s will, which stated that Elizabeth would succeed Mary, should she die childless.

Question 9

HOW successful was Mary I in securing succession?

Answer 9

After years of trying to remove Elizabeth from the succession (but Parliament opposing her), Mary was forced to accept Elizabeth as her heir, as Mary’s health worsened and she still had no children.

Question 10

WHY was Mary I forced to accept Elizabeth as her successor?

Answer 10

• She was childless, and her health was worsening
• Philip decided that Elizabeth was the most acceptable option from a Spanish perspective

Question 11

WHEN did Mary I formally name Elizabeth as her successor?

Answer 11

6th November 1558, 11 days before she died.