The Tudor Dynasty: Power and Religion · Autumn Term

The Dissolution of the Monasteries

A detailed look at the process and consequences of closing England's monasteries.

About This Topic

Mary I's reign is often reduced to her nickname 'Bloody Mary,' but a deeper investigation reveals a complex ruler attempting to restore what she believed was the true faith. This topic explores her marriage to Philip II of Spain, the restoration of papal authority, and the persecution of Protestants. Students are encouraged to look beyond the propaganda of later eras to understand Mary's motivations and the challenges she faced as England's first queen regnant.

This topic fits into the National Curriculum by examining the religious roller-coaster of the Tudor period and the development of the English monarchy. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to practice historical empathy and source criticism. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, particularly when comparing Mary's body count to that of her father or sister.

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate: Was Mary 'Bloody'?

Students are given data on executions under Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. They debate whether Mary's nickname is historically fair or if it was a result of later Protestant propaganda like Foxe's Book of Martyrs.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

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Role Play: The Spanish Marriage Council

Students act as Mary's advisors, debating the pros and cons of her marrying Philip of Spain. They must consider the risk of foreign influence versus the need for a Catholic heir.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

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Inquiry Circle: Foxe's Book of Martyrs

Small groups examine woodcuts and text from Foxe's famous book. They identify how the author uses emotive language and imagery to create a specific narrative about Mary's reign.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Mary I was unpopular because she was a woman.

What to Teach Instead

While there were concerns about a female ruler, Mary was actually greeted with great popular support when she took the throne from Lady Jane Grey. Using a 'source analysis' of her arrival in London helps students see her initial popularity.

Common Misconception

Mary only burned people because she was cruel.

What to Teach Instead

In the 16th century, heresy was seen as a 'poison' that would lead souls to hell; Mary believed she was saving her subjects' souls. Peer discussions on 16th-century mindsets help students understand her religious convictions without necessarily agreeing with her actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Mary marry Philip of Spain?

Mary wanted to secure a Catholic succession and strengthen England's ties with the powerful Habsburg Empire. Philip was her cousin and a staunch Catholic. However, the marriage was very unpopular in England, as people feared the country would become a mere satellite of Spain.

How many people did Mary actually execute?

Mary ordered the burning of approximately 284 Protestants for heresy. While this was a high number for a five-year reign, her father, Henry VIII, executed thousands of people for various reasons, including treason and heresy.

What was the 'Counter-Reformation' in England?

This was Mary's attempt to undo the changes made by her father and brother. She officially brought England back under the authority of the Pope, restored Latin services, and brought back many of the traditional Catholic rituals and decorations that had been banned.

How does active learning help students evaluate Mary I's reputation?

Active learning, such as a 'mock trial' of Mary's reputation, forces students to move beyond simple labels. By tasking them to find evidence for both her successes (like naval reforms) and her failures (like the loss of Calais), they develop a more nuanced understanding. This student-led inquiry encourages them to think like historians, questioning the bias in primary sources rather than accepting nicknames at face value.

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