Exclusive Interview with Queen Mary Tudor: Her Rivalry with Elizabeth, and the Bloody Truth of Bloody Mary
Mary, you are often referred to as ‘Bloody Mary’, why do you think that is?
I believe the moniker “Bloody Mary” has been applied to me due to the religious persecution that occurred during my reign. I sought to restore Catholicism to England, leading to the execution of some Protestant dissenters. It was a turbulent time, and history has remembered me for these events, though I believed it was necessary to protect the true faith.
Why did you decide to restore Catholicism and prosecute those who practiced a different faith?
I was a devout Catholic, and I believed that the Church of England, established by my father, King Henry VIII, was a departure from the true faith. I saw it as my duty to return England to the authority of the Pope and uphold the Catholic Church. While I believed my actions were necessary for the salvation of souls, I acknowledge that history has judged them harshly.
Would you change your actions now?
In retrospect, there are moments in history when one might reconsider their actions. However, as a monarch of my time, I made decisions based on the prevailing beliefs and circumstances. It is important to remember that historical actions should be understood within the context of their era. The path I chose was influenced by the religious and political dynamics of the 16th century.
You are not only known in history as ‘Bloody Mary’ but there is also an urban legend about you. It is said that if you turn off the lights and spin in a circle 3 times saying “Bloody Mary” over and over, you will appear in a mirror covered in blood. How does that make you feel?
The urban legend about “Bloody Mary” is quite intriguing, although it is not connected to me as a historical figure. It’s fascinating to see how folklore and legends can evolve over time, drawing upon historical names and events. While I was a queen with a complex legacy, such stories are a product of imagination rather than reality.
So, you don’t relate this story to yourself or your legacy?
The story of “Bloody Mary” in the urban legend is not directly related to me or my historical legacy. It appears to be a modern and fictional creation that uses my name and historical context for a spooky or mysterious tale. While the legend may draw inspiration from the concept of my reign and the term “Bloody Mary,” it is not an accurate representation of my life or actions.
What is something you accomplished during your reign that you especially proud of?
During my reign, I take pride in the fact that I succeeded in reestablishing Catholicism in England, even if it was short-lived. The marriage to King Philip II of Spain was a significant achievement for me, as it formed a strong alliance with one of the most powerful Catholic nations of the time. However, my reign was marked by many challenges and controversies, and the legacy of religious persecution overshadows some of these accomplishments.
Did you feel pressured to get married to strengthen your hold on the English throne?
Yes, I did feel pressured to marry and secure my hold on the English throne. Marrying King Philip II of Spain was a strategic move to strengthen my position, form alliances with powerful Catholic nations, and potentially produce an heir who could continue the Catholic line. It was a decision made for the stability of the kingdom and to reinforce my legitimacy as the ruler of England.
Your sister didn’t get married and she is thought to be one of the greatest monarchs of all time. How does that make you feel?
While our paths and approaches to governance differed, I can appreciate her accomplishments. I believe we each had our roles to play in the course of history, and Elizabeth’s reign brought stability and prosperity to England during her time. It is a testament to the diversity of leadership styles throughout history.
Disclaimer: All responses to questions were generated by ChatGPT, an AI language model. Some responses have been edited for length and clarity, but no language was changed or added. It’s important to note that ChatGPT cannot embody or simulate a specific person.
All images were created using MidJourney. Prompt for this image: Queen Mary Tudor looking in a mirror with her scary reflection looking back
