Mary

Government- Many of Mary’s closest advisors knew nothing about England. She also had to rely on many of Edward’s old advisors.

Her Privy Council was larger so as a result was slow. However it was more efficient than Edward.

For Parliament her main focus was to restore Catholicism. She was able to achieve the first 4 of her ambitions. Membership also expanded but the number of acts and bills fell. Often the plans for Parliament were ad hoc. Mary could not stop absenteeism. It was also less productive. The number of acts and bills fell. Acts: 33-15.

Foreign Policy-The proposed marriage with Philip of Spain has been seen as a failure due to losing Calais which was England’s last territory in France. However, it can be said that she successfully chose a husband who would be distant from English disputes and his powers were carefully restricted.

Religion-Her priority was to restore ties with Rome. She called Protestants ‘The Devil’s Agents’.

December 1554-Heresy Laws were restored.

Almost 300 people were burnt.

29 institutions were re-established.

More training was given to priests. The FIrst Act of Repeal swept away everything that Edward had done.

Reginald Pole was in charge of reforming Papal authority. However, he was unfamiliar with the realm. He did not give ecclesiastical policy his full attention.

2 long surveys were also needed for church finance.

He failed to realise that literacy and printing had become important.

He did not seize propaganda from the Protestants.

The length of Mary’s reign was a problem and she could not restore the Church lands.

Opposition-She successfully defeated a rebellion against the Spanish marriage securing popular support, refusing to leave London and making a speech attacking Thomas Wyatt (1554)

However the rebellion was significant because it was led by the nobles. This was because they were scared that Spain would have an underdue influence of English politics. They planned for 3 different rebellions to take place. As well as this, they would have the channel blocked by the French.

However the Imperial Ambassador heard rumours of it. The rebellion also lacked support. Despite any concerns, it was seen that loyalty to the Queen took precedence.

Wyatt raised 4,000 men and this worried the government in London. However, he delayed his advance. It also started in January. The roads were narrow.

They got within ½ a km of Mary.