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The story of Bloody Mary, England’s first queen
The history behind Mary I’s rise to power
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Queen Mary I of England, known to history as “Bloody Mary,” has long been enshrined in popular memory as one of the most ruthless monarchs to ever rule the nation. Not only did she boldly seize the crown with almost impossible odds, but her reign is marked by a brutal campaign that has overshadowed nearly every other aspect of her legacy. But Mary’s story is far more nuanced than the legend of a tyrannical queen consumed by violence and religious zeal.
Mary I’s tale is one of ambition, defiance, and resilience, set against a backdrop of religious upheaval and fierce political rivalries. Indeed, her reign was no bloodier than other Tudor monarchs who came before and after. So why has history portrayed Mary in such a horrible light? Click through this gallery to find out.
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