Persecution and reform: reasons for, extent of and repercussions of the…

The idea

Mary I and Cardinal Reginald Pole sought to restore and reform English Catholicism, not merely reverse Edwardian changes. Pole’s legatine synod (1555–1556) aimed to improve clerical education and discipline, establishing seminaries to raise pastoral standards. However, their strategy also involved eradicating heresy. The persecution of Protestants, driven by Mary’s deep piety and belief that heresy was a cancer, led to the burning of nearly 300 individuals, including Thomas Cranmer. The extent of this persecution was unprecedented in England, largely concentrated in the South East. The repercussions were profound; rather than eliminating Protestantism, the burnings created martyrs, alienated moderate opinion, and provided potent material for John Foxe’s later 'Book of Martyrs'.

What earns the marks

• Explain the dual approach of Marian religious policy: eradicating Protestant heresy through persecution and actively reforming the Catholic Church from within.
• Assess the reasons for persecution, focusing on Mary's genuine belief that she was saving souls and restoring God's favour to England.
• Evaluate the extent of the burnings, noting the geographical concentration in London and the South East, and the social composition of the martyrs.
• Analyse the repercussions of the burnings, particularly how they failed to extinguish Protestantism and instead fostered a powerful anti-Catholic narrative.
• Detail Pole's positive reforms, such as the Twelve Decrees, which emphasised clerical residency, preaching, and the planned establishment of diocesan seminaries.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming Mary's religious policy was solely focused on burning Protestants.

  Put it right: Acknowledge the positive, forward-looking Catholic reforms initiated by Cardinal Pole, such as improving clerical education.

• Claiming the burnings successfully eradicated Protestantism in England.

  Put it right: Explain that while they removed key leaders, the burnings ultimately created martyrs and strengthened Protestant resolve.

• Stating that persecution was uniformly widespread across the whole of England.

  Put it right: Specify that the burnings were heavily concentrated in the South East and East Anglia, with far fewer in the North and West.

Exam tips

• When evaluating Mary's religious policies, balance the negative impact of the burnings with the administrative and pastoral reforms attempted by Pole.
• Use specific examples of martyrs, such as Cranmer, Ridley, or Latimer, to illustrate the high-profile nature of the persecution and its political repercussions.
• Consider the limitations placed on Pole's reforms, such as the short duration of the reign and his eventual falling out with Pope Paul IV.