Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that the issue of the succession never seriously threatened political stability in the years from 1553
to 1558.
Source A: The Privy Council responds to Mary’s letter which had claimed the throne on the death of her half-brother, Edward VI.
We advise you that our Sovereign Lady Queen Jane is possessed of the crown, not only by good order of old ancient records of this realm, but also by the late King Edward’s letters signed with his own hand and sealed with the Great Seal of England, with nobles, councillors and judges agreeing to these letters. We must remind you that owing to the divorce between King Henry VIII and your mother, in accordance with the law of God and confirmed by the acts of parliament [1534, 1537], you are illegitimate and unable to inherit the crown.
The Privy Council, letter to Mary Tudor, 9 July 1553
Source B: Lady Jane Dudley (formerly Grey) writes to Queen Mary I to explain the circumstances in which she was proclaimed ‘Queen Jane’ in the previous month.
The Duke of Northumberland announced King Edward’s death. He said the King had considered it treason to acknowledge Mary, Your most serene Majesty, or Lady Elizabeth, as true heirs of the Crown. One disobeyed her father on religion and both were bastards. King Edward disinherited them and ordered the Council to obey. The duke said King Edward had named me the true heir. The Council kneeled before me, saying they would obey King Edward’s wishes on pain of death. I was amazed and troubled, overcome by sudden grief and fell to the ground, weeping very bitterly. I resolved never to consent to my husband becoming King.
Lady Jane Dudley, letter, August 1553
Source C: Queen Mary adds an additional clause to her will which acknowledges Elizabeth, although not named, as her legal successor under the terms of her father’s will and the Third Act of succession of 1544.
My will was written when I thought I was pregnant, leaving the crown to my children ruled by my dearest husband if underage. As I have no heir, I wish my successor under my father’s will and Act to fulfil my will by funding religious houses and a hospital. To her I leave my subjects’ love for peaceful government and advancing God’s glory. My dearest husband shall no longer rule this realm, but my legal successor shall. I beg His Majesty to remember my great love and humble duty to him, and be a powerful friend to my successor, my country and its subjects.
Mary I, last will and testament, 28 October 1558
Source D: A servant of the King of Spain writes from the English court about arrangements for the succession as Mary lies dying.
As the Queen continues to be ill, the Privy Council spoke to her yesterday in order to persuade her to declare the Lady Elizabeth her heir. Her Majesty agreed; and the Council today will visit the Lady Elizabeth and inform her that the Queen is willing that she should succeed in the event of her own death, but that she asks two things of her: one that she will maintain the old religion as the Queen restored it; and the other that she will pay the Queen’s debts.
Christophe d’Assonleville, letter to King Philip of Spain, 7 November 1558
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Answer
