The Tudor Society

A defiant Mary stands up to her brother, King Edward VI, and his men

On this day in history, 28th August 1551, Lord Chancellor Richard Rich, Sir Anthony Wingfield and Sir William Petre went to Copthall in Essex to see the Lady Mary (future Mary I), half-sister of their king and master, Edward VI.

They had been sent to Copthall to deliver a message to Mary from the king. Edward VI was ordering Mary and her household to desist from celebrating the Catholic mass. Edward also ordered that Sir Anthony Wingfield should replace Robert Rochester as Mary's comptroller.

Mary was furious with the men and refused to obey them or her brother's orders. The men reported what happened in a letter to the king and his privy council. Here is the whole letter:

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A defiant Mary stands up to her brother, King Edward VI, and his men