Comparing Queens: Jane and Mary

Mary I (r. 1553-1558) is often referred to as the first queen regnant of England, but it can be convincingly argued that she is the second, if not the third, following in Matilda (r.February-November 1141) and Jane’s (r. July 1553) paths. At her accession to the throne, throughout her reign, and even after her deathContinue reading “Comparing Queens: Jane and Mary”

Ready for her Close-Up: Mary I in Film

Mary I has seldom been the central character of films and television. Most often, Mary comes second to Elizabeth I, to Edward VI, to Henry VIII, and even to Jane Grey Dudley. In productions such as Elizabeth (1998) and even Horrible Histories (Series 3-4) Mary’s role is simplified to her perceived identity as a weak woman ruled by herContinue reading “Ready for her Close-Up: Mary I in Film”