| Mary I of England (lived 1516-1558) is commonly known in history as "Bloody Mary" because of her executions of Protestants (the Marian Persecutions). Mary I was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Following the controversial divorce of her parents, her legitimacy was called into question. Following the death of Mary's father, Henry VIII, the throne went to her half-brother, Edward VI. Following Edward's death, and a brief stint on the throne by Lady Jane Grey, Mary became queen. She ruled England from 1553 until her death in 1558. At age 37, Mary married her first cousin once removed, the future Philip II of Spain. The couple had no children and, upon Mary's death in 1558, the English throne went to her half-sister, Elizabeth I. Click here to enlarge. |
