Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that Mary
Tudor’s restoration of Catholicism was popular.
Source A: A Yorkshire priest and supporter of Roman Catholicism comments on religious developments.
From August 1553 in many places in Yorkshire, priests were very glad to say mass in Latin, according to the fervent zeal and love they had unto God and his laws. Holy bread and water was given, altars were rebuilt, pictures and images set up once more. The English service was voluntarily laid aside and the Latin taken up again, and all without compulsion of any act or law, but merely on the wish of Queen Mary. And all the old ceremonies were used regularly, once the Lord Cardinal Pole arrived in this realm in November 1554.
Robert Parkyn, Narrative of the Reformation, 1532–54
Source B: The Imperial ambassador in England writes to King Philip, who was abroad, about the reactions to the persecution of Protestants.
The people of London are murmuring about the cruel enforcement of the recent Acts of Parliament against heresy which has now begun, as shown publicly when a certain Rogers was burnt yesterday. Some of the onlookers wept; others prayed to God to give him strength and patience to bear the pain and not convert back to Catholicism. The haste with which the bishops have proceeded in this matter may well cause a revolt. If the people got the upper hand, not only would the cause of religion be again threatened, but the persons of your Majesty and the Queen might be in peril.
Simon Renard, letter to King Philip, London, February 1555
Source C: The Venetian ambassador gives his opinion on religious developments in England in Mary’s reign.
Knowing of the divisions among her councilors, the Queen, in order not to be deceived, ordered that Cardinal Pole should have everything referred to him, since she trusts him and distrusts almost all the others. The Catholic religion seems daily to increase and take root, through the Queen’s authority and the Cardinal’s diligence. Monasteries are being built, churches are full, the ancient rites and ceremonies are again performed. But, except for a few, most pretend to reject Protestantism and on the first opportunity would return to it. The Queen is greatly grieved by the conspiracies and plots formed against her daily. When she punishes the ringleaders, she provokes hatred since the offenders are excused by almost everyone.
Giovanni Michiel, letter to the Senate of Venice, 13 May 1557
Source D: A Protestant theologian, and later Bishop, who went into exile during Mary’s reign but returned to England at the start of Elizabeth’s reign, describes the situation he found to a fellow Protestant.
Our universities are so depressed and ruined that at Oxford there are scarcely two individuals who think with us, and even they are so dejected and broken in spirit that they can do nothing. Some despicable friars have reduced the vineyard of the Lord into a wilderness. You would scarcely believe that so much desolation could have been effected in so short a time.
John Jewel, letter to Henry Bullinger, 20 March 1559
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Answer
