Mary I

Mary I, daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, is born at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich, England.

At the age of nine, Mary is named Princess of Wales and sent to Ludlow Castle to preside over the Council of Wales and the Marches.

Mary demonstrates proficiency in Latin, French, and Spanish, reflecting her excellent education and linguistic abilities.

Following her father's marriage to Anne Boleyn, Mary is declared illegitimate and stripped of her title, becoming Lady Mary.

Mary's mother, Catherine of Aragon, dies. Mary eventually reconciles with her father, Henry VIII, after acknowledging his supremacy over the Church.

Mary is reinstated in the line of succession after her father's marriage to Catherine Parr, solidifying her position as heir presumptive.

Upon the death of Henry VIII, Mary becomes a leading figure among English Catholics, opposing the Protestant reforms of Edward VI.

Following the death of her half-brother, Edward VI, and the brief reign of Lady Jane Grey, Mary is proclaimed Queen of England on July 19.

Mary marries Philip II of Spain on July 25, strengthening ties with Catholic Spain and solidifying her position as a Catholic monarch.

Mary restores Catholicism as the official religion of England, reversing the Protestant reforms of her father and brother, earning her the nickname 'Bloody Mary'.

Mary initiates a campaign of religious persecution, leading to the execution of nearly 300 Protestants, including prominent figures like Thomas Cranmer.

Mary allies England with Spain in the war against France, leading to the loss of Calais, the last English possession in mainland Europe.

Mary experiences a false pregnancy, which causes significant distress and is seen as a sign of divine displeasure.

Mary I dies at St. James's Palace, London, after a prolonged illness, possibly from ovarian cancer or influenza. She is succeeded by her half-sister, Elizabeth I.