The Queen’s Easter Pardons, 1554: Ancient Customs and the Gift of Thucydides

Abstract

In 1553–1554, Mary I, the granddaughter of English and Iberian monarchs, worked assiduously to establish her newly acquired regal authority. Surrounding her were numerous men who sought to provide assistance and advice. Cultivating an authoritative voice in an arena occupied by aristocratic men proved a difficult task and required a great deal of education, talent, and skill. Mary’s sister, Elizabeth, became famous for her enigmatic use of language: “She says the most extraordinary things” a Spanish ambassador once wrote.¹ Mary’s voice tended to be more straightforward. This essay is a study of Mary’s struggle to be heard in the weeks following the collapse of Wyatt’s Rebellion and it reveals the struggle she faced even among her supporters. It was during this time that the Imperial ambassador gave what appeared to be an appropriately diplomatic gift to the queen, but it was, in fact, a complex and cynical political move aimed at changing Mary’s behavior and her queenship.

I wish to thank Katherine L French, Jason Hawke, Whitney A.M. Leeson, and James M. Ogier for their comments.