A2 FP1, Mary I, Royal Authority and Problems of Succession Flashcards
(16 cards)
Why did Northumberland try and barr Mary from the Succession?
- Mary was a devout Catholic, catholicism would be restored and Northumberland’s life would be in danger.
- Mary was close to her cousin, Charles V of the HRE,
- The 1534 and 1536 succession acts had made Mary and Elizabeth illegitimate, despite their restoration in 1544 these changes had been damaging.
What ties did Northumberland have to Lady Jane Grey?
Lady Jane Gray was N’s daughter in Law, married May 1553.
How was Lady Jane Grey’s accession met?
Although she was proclaimed Queen, support for Mary was much greater.
Explain the failure of the Devyse :
- Mary gathered Catholic supporters, including members of the nobility in Norfolk.
- Northumberland summoned troops + ships, however there was little love for Northumberland in Norfolk due to his brutality during the Kett’s rebellion.
- Ships proved disoloyal and declared allegiance to Mary alongside other members of the Privy Council.
- Mary was proclaimed Queen on the 20th July 1553 in the Market Place at Cambridge.
Why did Northumberland’s plans fail?
- attempted to interfere with the legitimate succession, a sordid attempt to hold onto power.
- His behaviour was illegal and upset even some of his more committed supporters.
- Had little positive support whereas Mary had acted bravely, decisively and quickly, gathering support from nobility, gentry and ordinary folk.
What did the ease at which Mary upheld her claim to the throne show?
- Growing Stability of the state and nation, political crisis had been avoided.
- A period of dynastic weakness and minority rule had passed without a civil war.
What legislation did Mary pass to combat the Devyse?
Passed in 1553, and 1554.
Confirmed Mary’s legitimate succession and established the right of female monarchs to rule England.
What problems did Mary face upon her accession?
- Inherited a kingdom that had fundamental religious divisions.
- Catholic in a kingdom with a substantial protestant minority
- Had not been brought up to rule and had little in the way of political instinct, she would have to rely on those who had served her half brother and therefore were involved in religious reform.
- Her loyal and trusted servants such as Robert Rochester, Edward Waldegrave had no serious political experience in government.
Who were some of Mary’s councillors?
- Bishop Stephen Gardiner
- Churchmen who had been excluded from influence during Edward’s reign.
- Some of the more conservative councillors, such as Lord Paget.
What was the problem with Mary’s council?
She appointed 50 councillors during her reign, leading to an inefficient and faction-ridden government.
Mary’s most important decision, marrying Philip of Spain, was never formally discussed in council.
Mary saw the titel as an honourary one.
Her most trusted advisor was Cardinal Pole who was not an advisor.
What happened after Bishop Gardiner’s death?
Mary increasingly relied on the advice of 2 foreigners, 1554 Philip of Spain and Simon Renard the ambassador of Charles V
Until her marriage, Renard effectively directed English affairs.
Relied on Cardinal Pole who arrived in England in 1554.
What was the relationship between Mary and Parliament like?
- Cautious co-operation
- A substantial minority of MPs, around 80, opposed the reversal of Edwardian Religious legislation.
- A bill of 155 to seize the property of protestant exiles was defeated.
- Mary quarreled with parliament over issues of succession.
Problems of Succession
What was the main problem of Mary’s marriage to Philip?
Arranged it without consulting the Privy Council and therefore didn’t account for her subject’s reaction to the plans.
Problems of Succession
What were the terms of the marriage treaty?
- Philip was given the title of King but none of the authority or powers that went with it.
- No foreigners were permitted to hold Enlgish office.
- If mary predeceased, Philip would have no claim to the throne.
Marriage 1554, Philip unimpressed and rarely visited England.
Problems of Succession
What opposition was faced by the Spanish Marriage?
- Philip was a staunch Catholic therefore protestants feared he would add strenght to Mary’s determination to reverse the reformation.
- Philip was the heir to Spain and its vast Empire, it was correctly assumed that he’d use England to further Spanish ambitions.
Plans for succession
What were the plans for Mary’s succession?
Changes to the succession proved pointless and Mary reluctantly accepted Elizabeth as her heir. Mary formally named Elizabeth her heir in November 6th 1558, she died eleven days later.
