Mary I (1553-1558)

Mary I was the only living child of Henry VIII and his first wife Catharine of Aragon. She was the first Queen of England and ascended the throne in 1553, after her stepbrother Edward had died. Mary I was married to King Philip II of Spain and she was a devout Roman Catholic. During her reign, England officially became Roman Catholic again. She is often called “Bloody Mary” because over 300 religious protesters were executed while she was queen.