It is a famous scene from history, most famously played out in William Shakespeares "Edward and Mary". In which Edward VI approaches his sister, clearly not long for this world and asks her, apparently, begs her to renounce her catholic faith and convert in exchange being named Edwards successor.
Poetic text aside, Mary relented and agreed, converting, in name at least, to protestantism and was crowned queen Mary I on her brother's death.
What if she hadn't? Would Edward have gone ahead and named his cousin the Lady Jane Grey as his successor? would Queen Jane I have been a strong monarchy? Many doubted the potential of Lady Grey for success. Would Mary have siezed the throne? If so how would Britain play out over the next century should it have returned to catholicism?
And of course. Mary's marriage to William I, Prince of Orange would be completely butterflied away. Would Mary have married? Would she have had children? Its quite clear king William IV wouldn't have been born.
Anyway. Discuss?
Poetic text aside, Mary relented and agreed, converting, in name at least, to protestantism and was crowned queen Mary I on her brother's death.
What if she hadn't? Would Edward have gone ahead and named his cousin the Lady Jane Grey as his successor? would Queen Jane I have been a strong monarchy? Many doubted the potential of Lady Grey for success. Would Mary have siezed the throne? If so how would Britain play out over the next century should it have returned to catholicism?
And of course. Mary's marriage to William I, Prince of Orange would be completely butterflied away. Would Mary have married? Would she have had children? Its quite clear king William IV wouldn't have been born.
Anyway. Discuss?