Henry VIII’s children inherited unstable crowns, and succession crises in 1553 and 1558 tested Tudor legitimacy, factional rivalries, and the monarchy’s ability to endure challenges.

The Succession Context

Edward VI’s Position

By 1553, Edward VI, Henry VIII’s only surviving son, was terminally ill with tuberculosis. The Tudor succession had always been precarious, with anxieties about legitimacy, gender, and political stability. According to the Succession Acts and Henry VIII’s will, Edward would be succeeded by his half-sisters, Mary Tudor and, if necessary, Elizabeth.

However, Edward’s determination to preserve Protestant reforms shaped his decision to alter the succession. He and his advisers feared that Mary’s Catholic faith would undo the Reformation.

The Problem of Mary Tudor

Mary was the eldest surviving child of Henry VIII. Although declared illegitimate after Henry’s break with Catherine of Aragon, she had been reinstated in the succession under the Third Succession Act (1543–44). Her legitimacy was technically recognised, but suspicions lingered. Her Catholicism was a major threat to Edward’s Protestant settlement.

The Devise for the Succession, 1553

Edward’s Intentions

Edward’s Devise for the Succession was drafted in May 1553.

Handwritten draft of Edward VI’s Devise for the Succession (Petyt MS 538, vol. 47, fol. 317), with the amendment elevating “L Jane and her heires masles.” The page demonstrates royal intention and legal ambiguity at the heart of the 1553 crisis. The document includes palaeographical details beyond the syllabus but helps students visualise the source. Source

It excluded Mary and Elizabeth, focusing instead on maintaining Protestant rule. His plan reflected not only personal conviction but also the political influence of his chief councillors, notably John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland.

Initial Draft

• Named the male heirs of Lady Jane Grey, granddaughter of Henry VIII’s younger sister, Mary Tudor, as successors.

• Excluded Mary and Elizabeth due to issues of religion and legitimacy.

Revised Draft

As Edward’s illness worsened and no male heirs existed, the Devise was amended:

• Lady Jane Grey herself was made heir.

• Jane was married to Northumberland’s son, Guildford Dudley, ensuring the continuity of both Protestantism and Northumberland’s political influence.

The Crisis of 1553

Edward’s Death

Edward VI died on 6 July 1553. Northumberland acted quickly to implement the Devise. On 10 July 1553, Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed queen.

Collapse of Northumberland’s Plan

The attempt failed within nine days.

Original letter from Lady Jane Grey signed “Quene,” issued from the Tower of London in July 1553 to muster forces against unrest. It captures the fragile authority of Jane’s government on the eve of Mary’s successful counter-claim. The image includes diplomatic formulae beyond the syllabus but vividly supports the topic. Source

• Mary Tudor raised support in East Anglia and gained momentum with both nobles and commoners.

• Northumberland underestimated Mary’s legitimacy and popularity.

• Even members of the Council defected, declaring loyalty to Mary.

On 19 July 1553, Jane was deposed and Mary declared queen. Northumberland was executed, and Jane was imprisoned.

Consequences

• The coup highlighted the fragility of Edward’s altered succession.

• Jane was executed in 1554 after Wyatt’s rebellion made her a symbol for Protestant opposition.

• Mary’s successful claim reinforced the importance of Henry VIII’s succession acts over Edward’s personal wishes.

Political Crisis 1553–1558

Mary I’s Succession and Challenges

Mary’s reign faced two central issues:

1. Gender: As England’s first crowned queen regnant, her rule was controversial. Many feared that a female monarch was inherently weak or would be dominated by her husband.

2. Marriage: Her decision to marry Philip of Spain in 1554 provoked widespread hostility. The marriage treaty limited Philip’s authority, but suspicion of foreign influence remained high.

The Wyatt Rebellion, 1554

• Sparked by opposition to Mary’s Spanish marriage.

• Demonstrated fears of foreign domination and Protestant resistance.

• Though suppressed, it heightened insecurity around Mary’s rule and contributed to Jane Grey’s execution.

Succession Anxiety

Mary’s failure to produce an heir created a renewed succession crisis. Her phantom pregnancies in 1554 and 1557 worsened instability. Without children, the succession would pass to Elizabeth, whom Mary distrusted due to her Protestant sympathies.

Elizabeth’s Position

Elizabeth, despite being restored in Henry’s succession act, was viewed with suspicion. She was briefly imprisoned after Wyatt’s rebellion due to alleged involvement. Nevertheless, her position strengthened as Mary’s health declined and her childlessness became apparent.

The Succession of 1558

Mary died on 17 November 1558. Despite her reluctance, the crown passed smoothly to Elizabeth I, in line with Henry VIII’s will.

• Elizabeth’s accession marked the survival of the Tudor dynasty.

• The succession crisis revealed that parliamentary statute and Henry VIII’s legislation carried more weight than Edward’s unilateral attempts to alter inheritance.

• It also demonstrated the resilience of the monarchy despite political upheaval and religious division.

Key Points for Study

• Edward VI’s Devise for the Succession aimed to preserve Protestantism by excluding Mary and Elizabeth.

• Northumberland’s plan collapsed due to Mary Tudor’s legitimacy, popular support, and political acumen.

• Mary’s reign (1553–58) was marked by gender-based opposition, rebellion, and anxiety over succession due to her childlessness.

• The smooth transition to Elizabeth in 1558 highlighted the authority of Henry VIII’s succession acts over later attempts to alter them.