the marriage of mary tudor and factional conflict between paget and gardiner

Why did the question of who Mary should marry cause political issues during her reign?

Because of Marys gender it was believed she needed to marry, however if she married a foreigner they may dominate the country and the courts whereas if she married an Englishman, other men may get jealous or that persons family may gain too much power

Disputes between which two people examplify the political conflict caused by he question of marriage?

Gardiner and Paget, as Gardiner supported Edward courtenay since he believed it would be more politically safe and acceptable to the public, whereas paget aligned himself with Mary, and believe England needed the foreign support and political advantage which would help dynastic stability

Aswell as marriage, what other conflicts were there between paget and Gardiner?

Intense personal rivalry and differing approcaches to religous policy, this can be seen through the heresy laws in 1554 which initially Paget deliberately blocked Gardiner attempt to reintroduce (undermining his influence/ authority) then however supported a similar bill passed in the following months

When considering Edward Courtney what arguements could be made he would improve stability of the monarchy?

He was from royal prominent English blood therefore strengthening Tudor dynasty and he was keen to marry Mary suggesting he would work in favour of her rule and be constantly in England

What evidence is there that Edward Courtney may have caused instability?

Factional conflicts could have occurred as courtiers may have been resentful to Courtney’s rise in influence and he had been imprisoned during Henry and edwards reign showing a lack of loyalty to the monarch, aswell relations with Spain would deteriorate meaning if the monarchy was ever threatened it would be difficult to get Spanish support

When considering the candidate of Phillip of Spain, what suggests he may bring stability to the monarchy?

Since he was king of Spain, he would have skills as a monarch, and also give foreign support due top the Anglo-Spanish alliance, this ment if there was any threats to the monarch, they would have the support and resources to protect Mary and England

What personal reasons did Mary have for marrying Phillip?

He was very attractive and she wanted to have a close connection to the Hamburg’s as her mother was related

Why was there potential concern for instability if Mary married Phillip?

Feared that by marry a Spanish king, courtiers may lose influence and England may be dragged into Spanish laws (xenophobia very prominent at this time), additionally since Phillip was such a strong catholic (shown through the Spanish crusade) so people worried he would enforce a similar regime in England, especially since Mary was a strong catholic herself, and aswell Phillip would likely not often be in Spain and dont even speak English

When and who did Mary chose?

She chose Phillip and the marriage treaty was approved January 1554

What evidence is there to suggest this marriage to Phillip was a serious threat to stability (try to link both events that happened at home and abroad)?

It was unpopular amoungst parliament and the people- there was petitions against the House of Commons, and it fueled opposition from influential courtiers like sir James Croft, peter Carew and Thomas Wyatt leading to rebellion and factional struggles. Additionally the marriage proved unsuccessful as Phillip was often never in England and Mary had ‘phantom pregnancies’ and was unable to produce an heir (dynastic weakness) and they were dragged into Spanish foreign policy and lost calis

Although the marriage ment Phillip effectively became king, what measures were in place that suggest this wouldnt have a serious impact on stability?

People feared he would impose Spanish influence in England, however the regents prerogative act in 1554 ensured Elizabeth still held the same authority as the king, this marriage treaty ment Phillip couldn’t introduce new laws/ customs or exploit his power in England

What were the causes of the Wyatt rebellion 1554?

Mainly due to Mary’s marriage to Phillip as influential courtiers like Wyatt feared Spanish domination and foreign influence. Additionally all leading members were Protestant so they potentially feared a strict return to Catholicism aswell as economic hardship fueling the unrest

What was the aim of the rebellion and what does this suggest about stability of the monarchy?

The main aim was initially to persuade Mary not to marry Phillip however when it became evident this wouldnt occur the aim shifted to overthrow Mary and replace her with Elizabeth, who would marry Edward Courtney. This suggests the monarchy’s stability was vulnerable and they could have potentially removed Mary from the throne

What events of the Wyatt rebellion suggest instability?

Wyatt was able to gather 3000 men and march on to London (got as far as luggage) this is very concerning as it was extremely close to were the monarch was suggesting with support the monarch could have potentially been overthrown. Additionally Wyatt was able to get french support and royal soldiers suggesting the opposition was very influential and capable of removing Mary- this threat is evident by Mary needing to call for Spanish support

However what evidence is there to suggest the Wyatt rebellion was not a serious threat?

It was defeated quickly and the rebels lacked organisation meaning they could not achieve their 4-pronged attack, aswell Mary had a larger force of nearly 10000 and it was her powerful actions in London (refused to leave despite councillors advise and did an impactful speech in Guildford hall) that showed the monarchy was strong and gathered support to defeat the rebels, ultimately the rebellion was defeated and over 100 were executed, including LJG and Dudley

Why was it inevitable there would be factional struggles in the privy council?

There was a mix of her own supporters (likely catholic) and also experienced administrated, this would mean they would lik;y disagree over policies and many would argue this would make government ineffective. Additionally her lack of trust for her councillors, is evident through her reliance on cardinal pole and Simon Reynard (the Spanish ambassador) for advice

What evidence is there to suggest factions under Mary wasn’t causing instability or inefficient governing?

Not all councillors were present and usually differences in views would be put aside throughout the reign, by 1555 an inner council had been established and paget dominated (Gardiner died) meaning there was less internal opposition, additionally debates in policy were often seen as constructive and allowed Mary to get a balanced opinion. For example although there was a lot of factional conflict between Gardiner and paget, it ment they both worked hard to persuag]de Mary and they were still able to put differences aside to run country efficiently (however it did sometimes delay legislation)

What suggests stability about the succession in 1558?

When Mary died, Elizabeth succeeded the throne suggesting stability as it followed the legitamite order of the third succession act. Additionally although Mary was catholic, she made no attempt to alter succession and recognised the importance of legitamicy

What were the potential concerns for the succession in 1558?

Elizabeth was a Protestant, meaning again there would be religous change which evidently caused unrest, and aswell she was a minority meaning g there was problems with her gender and lack of a husband or heir