ABSTRACT
Mary’s reign has until recently been associated with two main areas: religious change in domestic policy and collaboration with Spain in foreign policy. Her contribution to administration was all but ignored, partly because of a basic assumption that she was temperamentally unsuited to regular and intricate decision-making. It was also thought that the instability of her position was both the cause and consequence of policies which were both extreme and unpopular. These views have now been shown to be not very accurate stereotypes. Analysis 1 assesses the suitability of Mary for the highest office, her relations with Parliament and the Privy Council and her reaction to opposition and rebellion. Analysis 2 places these issues within the context of some extensive historiographical changes.
