The spelling of the name Mary I is simple enough, but the pronunciation can be tricky. In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) notation, it is transcribed as /ˈmɛəri/. The first syllable is pronounced like the word "mare," the second syllable is pronounced like the word "air," and the third syllable is pronounced like the word "ee." Mary I was the first Queen of England to rule in her own right, and she is known for her religious policies and the persecution of Protestants.
Mary I, also known as Mary Tudor or Bloody Mary, was the queen of England and Ireland from 1553 until her death in 1558. Born on February 18, 1516, she was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, and she is best remembered for her strict adherence to Catholicism and her persecution of Protestantism in England.
As queen, Mary I attempted to reverse her father's religious Reformation policies by reinstating Catholicism as the state religion. She sought to restore papal authority and undo the reforms implemented by her half-brother, Edward VI. Mary's reign witnessed a period of religious turmoil and repression, marked by the execution of numerous Protestants who refused to renounce their beliefs.
The epithet "Bloody Mary" was bestowed upon her due to the harsh measures she adopted during her reign, particularly against Protestant dissenters. An estimated 284 Protestant victims were executed under her command, including bishops, clerical leaders, and ordinary citizens. This controversial period in English history significantly intensified religious divisions in the country.
Despite her efforts to maintain Catholicism, Mary's reign ultimately proved unsuccessful in securing England's return to Rome. Her marriage to King Philip II of Spain, which she hoped would strengthen her Catholic agenda, led to political tensions and failed to produce an heir. Mary died on November 17, 1558, bringing an end to her reign and paving the way for the ascension of her Protestant half-sister, Elizabeth I.
The word "Mary I" is not etymologically derived, but rather an official title used to refer to a specific historical figure. "Mary I" refers to Mary I of England, who also came to be known as "Mary Tudor" or "Bloody Mary". The name "Mary" itself is of Hebrew origin and means "beloved" or "bitter" in some interpretations.