Thomas Cranmer (Williams): "Bloody Mary" (122ff.)

Edward VI, the son of Henry VIII, passed away on 6 July 1553 at the age of 15 due to tuberculosis. After his death, controversies surrounded his new will, which replaced Henry's will, which had been approved by Parliament. Lady Jane Grey was made the new Queen by lawyers and Privy Council members in case Edward died. However, Cranmer rejected the move but was later pressured by Edward, the lawyers, and others to sign it. The new will had sixteen provisions, and the second one stated that no changes should be made to religious beliefs. Mary's accession. In Oct 1553, Mary became the Queen of England. However, the Council made a mistake by allowing her freedom of movement instead of placing her under house arrest. Mary took advantage of this freedom and rallied support while Lady Jane Grey was briefly made Queen for nine days from 10 July forward. People in London supported Mary as she rode into the city. Rumors and papers were circulating that Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, had re-established the Roman Mass and presided over it at Canterbury. Cranmer denied this and was upset that people were spreading false information. The 1552 Book of Common Prayer was still the law of the land. Cranmer conducted King Edward's funeral, but Mary and most bishops did not attend. Mary was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 1 October 1553. In September, many supporters of the Reformed Church were hunted down and imprisoned. Cranmer advised hundreds of people to flee, including his wife and children. However, Cranmer, Hugh Latimer, and Nicholas Ridley believed they should remain in England rather than flee. Cranmer's property, including his library, was confiscated and dispersed to 65 locations. By the fall of 1553, Cranmer was in jail. Mary bore a deep resentment towards Cranmer for his involvement in the annulment of her mother's marriage, his role in her illegitimacy, and the religious changes that took place during King Edward's reign. Instead of charging him treason, Mary accused Cranmer of heresy and imprisoned him. Cranmer preferred the theological charges to the political ones.