ABSTRACT
After Edward VI’s death, no English government would make such a brash attempt to impose religious novelties on its subjects until the 1630s. The religious policies of Edward’s two successors, his half-sisters, were both defined by their attempts to restore previous settlements. Mary (ruled 1553–58) made an energetic and controversial attempt to restore Catholicism to England, an attempt which was cut short by her death. The policy of Elizabeth (ruled 1558–1603) was more cautious but no less relentless and centred on a partial restoration of Edward VI’s Reformation. The contrasts between these two restorations are obvious. Mary was Catholic, Elizabeth Protestant; Mary was forthright, Elizabeth subtle in her violence. Mary’s Church avoided and Elizabeth’s pursued theological debate; Mary’s was closely tied into Continental affairs, affairs which Elizabeth strove to keep at arm’s length. Above all, Mary’s failed and Elizabeth’s succeeded.
