We had a wonderful time last Friday at the live Q&A session with historian Johanna Strong. Mary I is such a fascinating historical personality, and one that really divides opinions. A big thank you to Johanna for answering all of our questions.
If you missed the chat, you can catch up with a transcript by clicking the link below:
I have to admit I wax rather surprised at how pro-Mary the while discussion was, both the speaker and the participants. To be honest I was being devil’s advocate. I felt there balance was pro- Mary and nobody arguing against. If I’m honest I think Mary and Edward were two sides of God same coin, both strong willed and obstinate in both civil and religious matters. Both a chip of God old block, Henry.
I have to admit I was ather surprised at how pro-Mary the whole discussion was, both the speaker and the participants. To be honest I was being devil’s advocate. I felt there balance was pro- Mary and nobody arguing against. If I’m honest I think Mary and Edward were two sides of the same coin, both strong willed and obstinate in both civil and religious matters. Both a chip of God old block, Henry.
I have to admit I was ather surprised at how pro-Mary the whole discussion was, both the speaker and the participants. To be honest I was being devil’s advocate. I felt there balance was pro- Mary and nobody arguing against. If I’m honest I think Mary and Edward were two sides of the same coin, both strong willed and obstinate in both civil and religious matters. Both a chip of tge old block, Henry.
I have to admit I was ather surprised at how pro-Mary the whole discussion was, both the speaker and the participants. To be honest I was being devil’s advocate. I felt there balance was pro- Mary and nobody arguing against. If I’m honest I think Mary and Edward were two sides of the same coin, both strong willed and obstinate in both civil and religious matters. Both a chip of the old block, Henry.
I have to admit I was ather surprised at how pro-Mary the whole discussion was, both the speaker and the participants. To be honest I was being devil’s advocate. I felt there balance was pro- Mary and nobody arguing against. If I’m honest I think Mary and Edward were two sides of the same coin, both strong willed and obstinate in both civil and religious matters. Both a chip off the old block, Henry.
I’m not sure what happened as I edited my post, it multiplied??? Sorry
Don’t worry! I’m definitely in the middle where Mary is concerned. I think she’s been glossed over far too much, very neglected, and I think she has been reduced to a very 2D character, that of Bloody Mary, but I also feel that she was brutal, and Cranmer was definitely all about personal revenge. I’m afraid I just wasn’t well enough to take my usual active part. I felt so ill and had real brain fog. Sorry!
Hi Clare, it was interesting to have your ‘devil’s advocate’ position at the Q&A and I can appreciate your feedback here. I certainly don’t condone Mary’s actions, rather arguing that we should judge her against the standards of the day and that we should recognise how her legacy has been manipulated for others’ ends after her death. Thanks for coming!