Metz Defence Succeeds
Imperial siege of Metz fails and Guise's military reputation grows
Historical events in 1553
226 historical records
January 15531 historical events
February 15531 historical events
Reballion of Rebels in London Bridge
Marys supporters occupied London Bridge in force, and the rebels were unable to penetrate into the city
March 15534 historical events
Parliament
Edward VI's second Parliament opens in London.
Taxation Grant
Parliament grants Edward VI two fifteenths and tenths during the final parliamentary session of his reign.
Parliament
Edward VI's second Parliament closes after a short final session of the reign.
James Dyer Chosen Commons Speaker
James Dyer becomes Speaker for Edward VI's final Parliament as the young king's health and succession become increasingly urgent political concerns.
May 15535 historical events
Marriage
Forced to marry Lady Jane Grey by his father, the Duke of Northumberland
Marriage
Marries Lord Guildford Dudley, son of the Duke of Northumberland
Jane Grey Marries Guildford Dudley
Jane Grey marries Guildford Dudley, joining the senior Grey succession claimant to the family of the politically dominant Duke of Northumberland.
Marriage to Guildford Dudley
Jane Grey marries Guildford Dudley, linking the designated Protestant heir to Northumberland's family shortly before Edward VI's succession arrangements take effect.
Device for the Succession
As his health worsens, Edward develops a succession plan intended to prevent Mary from inheriting the Crown.
June 155320 historical events
Succession
Edward VI orders Mary & Elizabeth to be made "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"
Succession
Judges are shown Edward's devise for the succession and asked to put his proposed settlement into legal form.
Succession
Edward VI orders Mary & Elizabeth to be made "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"
Succession
Edward VI orders Mary & Elizabeth to be made "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"
Succession Devise Legal Pressure
Edward Montagu and other judges are ordered to give legal form to Edward VI’s succession devise despite warning that overturning the statutory succession could be treasonous.
Judges Summoned on Succession
Edward summons senior judges to his sickbed and presses them to prepare his succession devise as letters patent.
Forty-Two Articles
The Forty-Two Articles are promulgated as a Protestant doctrinal statement shortly before Edward's death.
Succession
One of the subscribers of the device settling the crown on Lady Jane Grey, but he swiftly abandoned his support
Letters Patent for the Succession
Letters patent embody Edward's succession settlement and place Lady Jane Grey ahead of Mary and Elizabeth.
Devise for the Succession
Edward VI formalises a succession scheme favouring Lady Jane Grey and her male heirs, excluding Mary and Elizabeth from the crown after his death.
Succession
Mary & Elizabeth become "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"
Succession
Mary & Elizabeth become "illegitimate & lawfully begotten"
Devise for Succession
Edward VI's succession device excludes Mary and Elizabeth from the throne
Excluded from Succession
Mary and Elizabeth are excluded by Edward VI's device for the succession
Commander of Flanders
Appointed Commander in Flanders
Commander of Flanders
Appointed Commander in Flanders
Device Expanded to Lady Jane
Edward alters his succession plan so that Lady Jane Grey herself, not merely hypothetical male descendants, can inherit if he dies without issue.
Forty-Two Articles Authorised
The Forty-Two Articles are issued with royal authority, summarising Protestant doctrine shortly before Edward VI's death.
Edward VI Illness
Edward VI's illness makes Mary's succession politically urgent
Device for the Succession
Supports Edward VI's succession plan favouring Lady Jane Grey.
July 155367 historical events
Succession
Advised to escape the control of Northumberland, moves to Kenninghall, Norfolk
Succession
Escorts Mary during her entry in state into London
Move to Kenninghall
Mary leaves Hunsdon for Kenninghall to avoid Northumberland's control
Coronation
Under the influence of the Duke of Northumberland, lady Jane Grey is crowned Queen. Mary & Elizabeth were removed from the succession
Succession
Proclaimed Queen by Northumberland who had persuaded Edward VI to leave her the throne
Death of Edward VI
Edward VI dies at Greenwich Palace aged fifteen after a prolonged pulmonary illness.
Death of Edward VI
Edward VI dies leaving a disputed Protestant succession
Edward VI Death
Edward VI's death exposes reformers to danger.
Succession
Succeeds as Lady of England, 9-19 July, Queen Janes rule lasts just 10 days
Claim to Throne
Mary asserts her hereditary claim after Edward VI dies
Jane Informed of Royal Succession
Jane is informed that Edward's device names her as successor, placing her at the centre of the attempt to exclude Mary and Elizabeth.
Jane Summoned to Syon House
Jane is summoned to Syon House after Edward's death, where councillors prepare to tell her that the crown has been assigned to her.
Succession
The Bishop of London, Nicholas Ridley, declares both Elizabeth & Mary are bastards
Succession
The Bishop of London, Nicholas Ridley, declares both Elizabeth & Mary are bastards
Escape to East Anglia
Mary escapes Northumberland's control and rallies support in East Anglia
Letters to Council
Mary writes to the council asserting her rightful claim to the throne
Ridley Sermon
Nicholas Ridley supports Jane Grey's claim and attacks Mary's legitimacy
Mary Asserts Her Title to the Council
Mary writes to the Privy Council asserting that Henry VIII's statutory settlement makes her lawful queen despite Edward's contrary device.
Paul's Cross Sermon
Preaches against Mary and Elizabeth's claims to the throne.
Succession
Supports Lady Jane Grey and declares Mary and Elizabeth illegitimate.
Arrest of Jane Grey
Taken to the Tower & executed
Plot
Her accession is seen as a plot by Marquess of Dorset & the Duke of Northumberland
Succession
Brought to the Tower & cermonially received as Queen
Proclaimed Queen
Jane Grey is proclaimed queen by supporters of Northumberland
Succession Crisis
Northumberland backs Jane Grey against Mary Tudor's claim
Reballion of Rebels in East Anglia
Mary rallies her forces
East Anglian Rising
Mary rallies supporters in East Anglia against the Jane Grey regime
Jane Establishes Court in the Tower
Jane takes up residence in the Tower as queen, following the traditional pre-coronation practice while her government confronts Mary's rival claim.
Jane Grey Proclaimed Queen
Jane is proclaimed queen in London under Edward VI's succession device, although support outside the governing circle remains uncertain.
Lady Jane Grey
Supports Lady Jane Grey after Edward VI's death.
Reballion of to suppress Marys
Leaves London in an effort to suppress Marys rebellion
Arrest of Mary I
Sent to Framligham to arrest Mary I, an unpopular request with the people of London
Northumberland Marches against Mary
Northumberland leaves London with troops to suppress Mary's growing support, weakening the political control sustaining Jane's disputed succession.
Northumberland Marches
Northumberland leads troops against Mary but support for him collapses
Succession
Ships sent to prevent Mary from retreating mutiny & the rebellion turns Marys way
Fleet Mutiny
Ships sent against Mary mutiny and the succession crisis turns in her favour
Succession
Dudley demands reinforcements but at Baynards castle Lord Arundel declares Mary Queen
Succession
Dudley demands reinforcements but at Baynards castle Lord Arundel declares Mary Queen
Mary I Proclaimed
Mary I's accession leaves Ridley exposed as a Jane Grey supporter.
Arrest of John Dudley
The Council declares for Mary & Dudley is arrested
Reballion of Rebels in Cambridge
The Council declares for Mary & Dudley is arrested
Arrest of John Dudley
The Council declares for Mary & Dudley is arrested
Reballion of Rebels in Cambridge
The Council declares for Mary & Dudley is arrested
Council Submission
Privy Council submits to Mary after abandoning Jane Grey
Council Declares for Mary
Arundel helps lead the Privy Council's break with Jane's regime, and Mary is proclaimed queen in London as Northumberland's position collapses.
Jane Grey Imprisoned after Deposition
Jane Grey is moved from royal apartments into prison quarters after the Privy Council abandons her claim and proclaims Mary queen.
Guildford Dudley Imprisoned after Jane's Fall
Guildford Dudley is detained in the Tower after the collapse of his wife's disputed government and Mary's successful accession.
Succession
Returns to England & becomes the peoples choice. Declared Queen in London
Baynard Castle Meeting
Privy councillors at Baynard Castle abandon Jane Grey and proclaim Mary queen
Declared Queen
Mary is declared Queen in London after support for Jane Grey collapses
Jane Grey Deposed
Jane Grey's nine day regime ends when Mary is proclaimed queen
Proclaimed Queen
Mary is proclaimed queen after support for Jane Grey collapses
Jane Grey's Government Collapses
Jane's effective reign ends when the council abandons her cause and accepts Mary as Henry VIII's lawful successor.
Mary I Accession
Mary's accession threatens Protestant reformers.
John Dudley Arrested at Cambridge
John Dudley is arrested after his army collapses and he abandons the attempt to enforce Lady Jane Grey's claim against Mary Tudor.
Northumberland Proclaims Mary at Cambridge
Northumberland publicly proclaims Mary queen after learning that the Privy Council has deserted Jane's cause.
Succession
Meets Mary outside London & escorts her to the capital
Nicholas Ridley Arrested after Mary's Accession
Nicholas Ridley is imprisoned after supporting Lady Jane Grey and remaining one of the leading bishops identified with Edward VI's Protestant reforms.
Northumberland Arrested
John Dudley is arrested at Cambridge after the council abandons Jane Grey and recognises Mary, ending the political operation designed to redirect the succession.
Mary Rallies Support
Mary Tudor establishes her headquarters at Framlingham and gathers nobles, gentry and military support against the council that has proclaimed Jane Grey.
Succession
Raises an army at Framligham castle after the succession of Lady Jane Grey
Framlingham Army
Mary raises an army at Framlingham Castle after Jane Grey is proclaimed
John Gates Arrested after Succession Crisis
John Gates is arrested for supporting Northumberland's attempt to exclude Mary and maintain Lady Jane Grey on the throne.
Thomas Palmer Arrested after Jane Grey Regime
Thomas Palmer is arrested for military and political support of the failed succession settlement established around Lady Jane Grey.
Arrest of Nicholas Ridley
Is arrested after Mary I secures the throne.
Imprisonment
Is imprisoned in the Tower after the succession crisis.
Capture of Hesdin
Captures Hesdin from France for the Spanish-Imperial forces
August 155331 historical events
Battle of Marciano
Defeated by an Imperial Army during the French invasion of Tuscany
Imperial Army
Defeated by an Imperial Army during the French invasion of Tuscany
Succession
Mary enters London to claim the throne, with the Earl of Arndel beside her
Entry into London
Mary enters London in triumph with Elizabeth beside her
London Entry
Mary enters London in triumph to claim the throne
London Entry
Elizabeth accompanies Mary during the royal entry after the succession crisis
Burial
Edward VI is buried in Henry VII's Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey using the reformed English service.
Burial
Mary wants to give Edward a Catholic funeral but is persuaded to give a Protestant one
Burial
Attends a private Mass for Edward in the Tower
Edward VI Funeral
Mary permits Edward VI a Protestant funeral while maintaining Catholic worship
Private Mass for Edward
Mary attends a private Catholic Mass for Edward VI in the Tower
Mary Proclaims Catholic Intent
Mary begins restoring Catholic worship after entering London as queen.
Death of John Dudley
Executed by Queen Mary after the fall of Lady Jane Grey after 2 weeks
Death of John Dudley
Death of John Dudley, executed
Execution
Executed for trying to prevent Marys succession
Execution
The Earl of Northumberland & 2 of his accomplices are executed
Execution
Northumberland is executed after the failure of the Jane Grey succession
Northumberland Executed
John Dudley Duke of Northumberland is executed after the succession crisis
Execution of John Gates
John Gates is beheaded for supporting the attempt to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne instead of Mary I.
Execution of Thomas Palmer
Thomas Palmer is beheaded for supporting the Jane Grey succession and opposing Mary's accession.
Proclamations Issued
Mary's government issues proclamations securing the new reign
John Bradford Arrested after Protestant Sermon
John Bradford is arrested after intervening during religious unrest and is subsequently held as the Marian government prosecutes leading Protestants.
Edwardian Religious Policy Suspended
Mary halts further Protestant change and begins restoring Catholic worship after her accession to the throne.
Latin Mass Restored at Court
Traditional Latin worship returns in the royal household as Mary signals reversal of Edward VI's religious settlement.
Mary's Coronation Date Fixed
Mary's government fixes the coronation for the beginning of October after consolidating control following the succession crisis.
Bonner Restored
Edmund Bonner is restored to the bishopric of London.
Day Restored
George Day is restored as Bishop of Chichester.
Edwardian Bishops Removed
Mary's government begins removing leading Protestant bishops.
Gardiner Restored
Stephen Gardiner returns to power as Mary's lord chancellor.
Heath Restored
Nicholas Heath is restored to episcopal authority under Mary.
Tunstall Restored
Cuthbert Tunstall is restored as Bishop of Durham.
September 155315 historical events
Arrest of Hugh Latimer
Is arrested under Mary's Catholic restoration.
Elizabeth Joins Mary's Coronation Retinue
Elizabeth takes part in the ceremonial retinue despite the religious and political tensions surrounding Mary's accession.
Mary's Coronation Eve Procession
Mary travels through London in state before the coronation, allowing the city to demonstrate public loyalty to the restored queen.
Anne of Cleves Joins Coronation Retinue
Anne of Cleves joins the royal ceremonial party and later follows Mary during the Abbey procession.
Thomas Cranmer Arrested for Treason and Heresy
Thomas Cranmer is arrested after defending Edward VI's religious settlement and supporting the succession arrangement that placed Jane Grey before Mary.
Gardiner Chosen to Crown Mary
Stephen Gardiner is selected to conduct the coronation because Archbishop Thomas Cranmer is imprisoned and unavailable to preside.
John Hooper Arrested under Marian Restoration
John Hooper is arrested as Mary's government moves against prominent Protestant clergy who refuse to accept the restoration of Catholic doctrine.
Hugh Latimer Arrested under Mary I
Hugh Latimer is arrested after Mary's accession because of his prominent Protestant preaching and opposition to the restored Catholic settlement.
New Coronation Oil Obtained
Mary obtains fresh consecrated oil because she regards the oil used under Edward VI's Protestant regime as unsuitable for her ceremony.
Cranmer Summoned
Thomas Cranmer is summoned as Mary reverses Edwardian religion.
Mass Restored at Court
The Mass is restored at court during Mary’s first months.
Royal Injunctions Suspended
Edwardian religious injunctions are suspended as Catholic worship returns.
Summons to London
Is summoned after Mary begins reversing Edwardian religion.
Tower Imprisonment
Is imprisoned with other Protestant leaders.
Deprivation
Is deprived of the bishopric of London under Mary I.
October 155336 historical events
Gardiner Anoints Mary I
Gardiner anoints Mary with newly prepared holy oil during the sacred portion of the ceremony.
Coronation
Crowned Queen of England, the 2nd Queen since the Norman conquest
Coronation
Mary is crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey
Mary Carries Orb after Crowning
Mary carries the orb in the outward procession after the crowning, following her chosen adaptation of the traditional rite.
Mary Declines Edward's Coronation Chair
Mary avoids using the ancient chair in the same manner as Edward, reflecting concern that Protestant usage had compromised its ceremonial purity.
Mary I Crowned as Regnant Queen
Mary is crowned as queen regnant, confirming in ceremony that sovereign authority is vested in her personally.
Mary Receives Coronation Regalia
Mary receives the ceremonial insignia of monarchy before the act of crowning.
Mary's Coronation Banquet
A formal coronation feast follows the Abbey service and publicly celebrates Mary's successful accession.
Mary's Coronation Communion
Mary participates in the Eucharistic conclusion of the service after the main coronation rites.
Mary's Coronation Oath
Mary takes the coronation oath as England's reigning queen before proceeding to anointing and investiture.
Mary's Coronation Recognition
Before Gardiner proceeds to the sacred rites, Mary is presented publicly in the Abbey as England's lawful sovereign.
First Parliament Opens
Mary's first parliament opens after her coronation
First Parliament Opens
Mary’s first parliament opens and begins undoing Edwardian reforms.
Marriage
Parliament draws up a petitio asking Mary not to marry a Spaniard
Parliament
1st Parliament of Mary's reign, opens to dismantle the English Reformation
Reform of Parliament
The Book of Common Prayer suppressed. Repeals the Prayer Books & restores the old services. Protestant rites are made illegal. Parliament refuses to return the Church lands & acknowledge the Pope. England returns to Catholicism with Mary as head of the Church
Reformation, The
1st Parliament of Marys reig, opens to dismantle the English Reformation
Divorce
Parliament declares the divorce of Henry & Katherine of Aragon invalid
Reform of Monarchy
Mass is restored throughout England
Succession
The Commons reverse the divorce of Catherine of Aragon, Mary is no longer illegitimate
Catherine Restored
Mary restores the honour of Catherine of Aragon by parliamentary action
First Statute of Repeal Passed
Parliament repeals major Edwardian religious legislation and restores worship broadly to the position existing late in Henry VIII's reign.
Marian Treason Act Restores Older Definition
Parliament repeals several later Tudor treason extensions and restores much of the traditional statutory framework associated with the 1351 law.
Mary's First Parliament Confirms Royal Title
Mary's first Parliament reinforces the legitimacy of her accession and begins reversing measures that had undermined her parents' marriage and her own status.
Mass Restored
Mass is restored as Mary's government reverses Edwardian religious policy
Parents Marriage Restored
Parliament declares the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon valid
John Pollard Chosen Speaker under Mary
John Pollard becomes Speaker when Mary's first Parliament meets after her successful accession.
Catholic Bishops Restored
Catholic bishops regain influence in Mary’s religious government.
Edwardian Prayer Book Undermined
The Edwardian prayer book loses authority under Mary’s restoration.
First Act of Repeal
Parliament repeals Edwardian religious legislation from the previous reign.
Gardiner Opens Parliament
Gardiner steers Mary’s first parliament toward Catholic restoration.
Latin Services Revived
Latin services begin returning in churches loyal to Mary.
Marriage of Clergy Challenged
Married clergy face pressure as Catholic discipline is restored.
Religious Statutes Repealed
Parliament begins repealing Edwardian religious legislation.
Royal Supremacy Questioned
Mary’s government prepares to reverse royal supremacy over the church.
Religious Policy
Mary begins reversing Edwardian Protestant reforms after her accession
November 15537 historical events
Jane Grey Tried for Treason
Jane is convicted of treason for assuming the crown under Edward's device, leaving her life dependent on Mary's willingness to pardon her.
Marriage
Parliament petitions Mary to marry an Englishman
Marriage
A Parliamentary delegation had waited upon Queen Mary, and formally requested that she choose an English husband, the obvious though tacit candidate being her kinsman Edward Courtenay, recently created Earl of Devon
English Marriage Petition
Parliamentary delegation asks Mary to choose an English husband
Wyatt Rebellion
Considers a Spanish marriage to Philip, alarming Protestant and anti-Spanish nobles.
Cranmer Imprisoned
Cranmer is imprisoned as the Catholic restoration gathers force.
Protestant Preachers Restricted
Protestant preaching is restricted as Catholic policy advances.
December 15533 historical events
Wyatt Rebellion
Is discussed as a possible husband for Elizabeth in rebel planning.
Wyatt Rebellion
His proposed marriage to Mary becomes the focus of English opposition.
Elizabeth at Court
Elizabeth remains politically watched during Mary's early reign
Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer
Appointed Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer
Chief Justice
Appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas
Chief Justice
Appointed Chief Justice of the King's Bench
Lord Chancellor
Appointed Lord Chancellor
Exile of Francis Knollys
Forced into exile to Germany
Speaker of House of Commons
Appointed Speaker of the House of Commons
Speaker of House of Commons
Appointed Speaker of the House of Commons
Proclamation of Mary
Signs a proclamation in favour of Mary
Succession
Signs a proclamation in favour of Lady Jane Grey
Arrest of John Dudley
Arrested & placed in the Tower after the death of Edward VI. Apologises for reversing the will of Henry VIII in favour of Lady Jane Grey, too late
Coronation
Helps get Lady Jane Grey crowned Queen, married to his 2nd son Lord Guildford Dudley
Succession
Creates a puppet soveriegn to prevent Mary undoing all his Protestant reforms
Succession
Proclaims Lady Jane Grey Queen after Edward's death. Helps get Lady Jane Grey crowned Queen, married to his 2nd son Lord Guildford Dudley. Gets Edward VI to alter the succession to Lady Jane Grey
Marriage
Parliament draws up a petitio asking Mary not to marry a Spaniard. Under Henry VIIIs will Marys marriage must be aproved by the Council. The military alliance between Spain & England will be densive only. No Spaniard is to have a say in English affairs. A contract is drawn up to marry Philip of Spain, son of Charles V
Marriage
Marries his 4th son to Lady Jane Grey
Peerage
Created Earl Warwick
Succession
Janes Greys mother was a niece of Henry VIII & married to Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk
Marriage
Marries Catherine Grey
Arrest of Thomas Howard
Released & restored on the accession of Queen Mary
Arrest of Mary I
Mary escapes to East Anglia from the Duke of Northumberland
Charter
St Albans is granted a Charter
Charter of St Albans
St Albans receives a charter during Mary's reign
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Winchester, 2nd term
Bishop
Restored as the Bishop of Worcester
Health of Edward VI
Edward develops a persistent fever and cough early in the year, beginning the illness that eventually proves fatal.
Sinking of Henry Grace à Dieu - Woolwich Fire
Henry Grace à Dieu, also called Great Harry, was accidentally destroyed by fire at Woolwich on 25 August 1553.
Sinking of Henry Grace à Dieu
Accidentally destroyed by fire
Birth of Henry IV
Birth of Henry IV, son of Antoine de Bourbon
Succession
Succeeds as Shah of India
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Rozzano
Peerage
James Douglas succeeds to the title and estates of his father-in-law
Invasion of Picardy
Commences a failed attempt to invade Picardy
Birth of Francisco Gomez de Sandoval y Rojas
Birth of Francisco Gomez de Sandoval y Rojas, Duke de Lerma
Reballion of Janissarian
Suppresses a Janissarian revolt
Capture of Corsica
Suleyman I the Magnificent captures Corsica for the French
Reballion of Janissarian
Suppresses a Janissarian revolt