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Scary History
by Christie

Women and the Protestant Revolution:
Mary and Elizabeth Tudor

During the 1500’s, England was ruled by King Henry VIII. This King, aside from various indiscretions, is most well known for eradicating the Roman Catholic Church in England, and bringing rise to the Anglican Church. King Henry VIII officially broke his allegiance with Rome between 1533 and 1534, much to the chagrin of the many devout Catholic people under his reign, not the least of which included his ex-wife Catherine of Aragon, and his eldest daughter, Mary.

When Henry died in 1547, the rule of England was hastily taken up by his only son, Edward, who was only nine years of age at the time. Edward, however, died at the young age of 15, forcing one of his two sisters to take over the throne. Mary, the eldest daughter was devoutly Catholic, whereas Elizabeth was Anglican. In the end, Mary inherited the crown, and began a mass repatriation of England back into the Catholic Church. It was during her rule that she became known as ‘Bloody’ Mary.

Mary was radical in her efforts to return her country to what she believed to be the true faith— so radical that she had those who refused executed in public and painful ways. During her reign she had many high priests and important figures within the Anglican Church killed, unwittingly making them martyrs for their cause.

When Mary died at the age of forty-two, the power in England again shifted when Elizabeth became the new Monarch. Elizabeth thrust England into one of its most prosperous times, and is known as one of the most powerful and revered women in history. During her reign, Elizabeth returned England to a peaceful state, and made the Anglican Church the
official Church in England, as it still stands today.

While it is the men during the Protestant Reformation, such as Martin Luther, or Henry VIII, who are most clearly remembered for their actions during this time, ultimately, it was the women who made lasting changes in the most powerful empire of all time.

Dates for this article were referenced from www.wikipedia.com