Tag Archives: Protestantism

Why was Henry VIII given the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ in 1521?
On the 11th October 1521, Pope Leo X granted the title “Defender of the Faith” to King Henry VIII of England.

Why was Lady Jane Grey queen of England for only nine days?
On the 10th July 1553, Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed queen of England after her first cousin once removed, the 15-year-old King Edward VI, died of an unknown respiratory problem.

John Rogers and the Protestant persecutions under ‘Bloody’ Mary I of England
On the 4th February 1555, John Rogers became the first Protestant martyr under ‘Bloody’ Mary I of England.

Why was Thomas Cranmer executed in 1556?
On the 21st March 1556, Thomas Cranmer was executed for heresy.

James VI of Scotland: the 13 month old king
On the 29th July 1567, James VI was crowned king of Scotland when he was just 13 months old.

The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
On the 8th February 1587 Mary Stuart, more commonly known as Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed in the great hall of Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire.

The Gunpowder Plot and the discovery of Guy Fawkes
On the 5th November 1605, the Gunpowder Plot was foiled when Guy or Guido Fawkes was discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder that had been placed in an undercroft below the House of Lords in London.

Why did Charles I attempt and (fail) to arrest the Five Members of Parliament?
On the 4th January 1642, Charles I attempted and failed to arrest the Five Members of Parliament, prompting the English Civil War and his own eventual execution for treason.

The Declaration of Right: how William and Mary became co-regents in 1689
On the 13th February 1689, William and Mary became co-regents of the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland after agreeing to the Declaration of Right.

The Treaty of London: Belgian independence and the First World War
The Treaty of London recognised and guaranteed the independence and neutrality of Belgium.