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Edward VI and Mary I

Study note

When Henry VIII died, the throne passed to his young son, who became Edward VI. Edward was a strong Protestant, and during his reign an important religious book, the Book of Common Prayer, was written for use in services of the Church of England. A version of this prayer book is still used in some churches today.

Edward's reign was short. He died at about the age of 15, having ruled for only some six years. Because he left no children, the crown then went to his half-sister Mary, who became Queen Mary I.

Mary was very different from her brother in religion. She was a devout Catholic and set about undoing the Protestant changes, persecuting Protestants so harshly that she earned the grim nickname Bloody Mary. Like Edward, however, she ruled for only a short time before she died. For the test, link Edward VI with the Book of Common Prayer and his Protestant faith, and Mary I with Catholicism and the name Bloody Mary.

Memory tip: Edward VI (Protestant, Book of Common Prayer), then Catholic Mary I, 'Bloody Mary'.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 5

Which book, still used in some churches today, was written during the reign of Edward VI?

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Show all questions and answers for Edward VI and Mary I(5 questions with explanations)

Edward VI and Mary I: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Which book, still used in some churches today, was written during the reign of Edward VI?

    • The Domesday Book
    • The Book of Common Prayer
    • The King James Bible
    • The Canterbury Tales

    Correct answer: The Book of Common Prayer

    The Book of Common Prayer was written during Edward VI's reign.

  2. 2. By what nickname was Mary I known because she persecuted Protestants?

    • Good Queen Bess
    • The Virgin Queen
    • Bloody Mary
    • Mary the Great

    Correct answer: Bloody Mary

    Mary I, a devout Catholic who persecuted Protestants, was known as Bloody Mary.

  3. 3. At about what age did Edward VI die?

    • 15
    • 45
    • 30
    • 60

    Correct answer: 15

    Edward VI died at the age of 15 after ruling for about six years.

  4. 4. Edward VI was strongly Protestant, while his half-sister Mary I was a devout Catholic.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Edward VI was Protestant and Mary I was a devout Catholic.

  5. 5. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Mary I was a Catholic who persecuted Protestants and was nicknamed 'Bloody Mary'
    • Mary I was a Protestant who persecuted Catholics and was nicknamed 'Bloody Mary'

    Correct answer: Mary I was a Catholic who persecuted Protestants and was nicknamed 'Bloody Mary'

    Mary I was a devout Catholic who persecuted Protestants.

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