Edward VI (1547-1553):
* Protestant Reformation: Edward was a devout Protestant, and his reign saw the full implementation of the English Reformation. He continued his father's (Henry VIII) work by promoting Protestant doctrines and practices.
* Book of Common Prayer: Edward's reign saw the adoption of the second edition of the Book of Common Prayer, which furthered the Protestant agenda by replacing traditional Catholic practices with simpler Protestant rituals.
* Removal of Catholic Practices: Many Catholic practices were abolished, including the veneration of saints, the use of images, and the Mass.
* Dissolution of Monasteries: The process initiated by Henry VIII continued, with the remaining monasteries being dissolved and their wealth distributed to the Crown and private individuals.
* Establishment of the Church of England: The Church of England was firmly established as a separate entity from the Roman Catholic Church, with the monarch as its Supreme Head.
* Religious Persecution: Despite Edward's relatively tolerant approach, some persecution of Catholic dissenters occurred, especially towards the end of his reign when the Catholic threat was seen as growing.
Mary Tudor (1553-1558):
* Catholic Restoration: Mary was a staunch Catholic and dedicated herself to reversing the Protestant changes of her brother's reign. She sought to restore the Catholic Church's authority in England.
* Repeal of Protestant Legislation: She revoked much of Edward's religious legislation, including the Act of Supremacy and the Book of Common Prayer, and restored the Catholic Mass and practices.
* Re-establishment of Papal Authority: Mary formally recognized the Pope's authority in England, bringing the country back into the fold of the Roman Catholic Church.
* Religious Persecution: Mary's reign is infamous for the religious persecution of Protestants. The "Marian Persecutions" resulted in the execution of hundreds, including Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, the main architect of the English Reformation.
* Popularity: Despite her ardent Catholic faith, Mary was unpopular among many due to her harsh policies and the persecution of Protestants. She was known as "Bloody Mary" for her actions.
Key Differences:
* Religious Belief: Edward was a staunch Protestant, while Mary was a devout Catholic.
* Religious Policies: Edward promoted the Protestant Reformation, while Mary sought to restore Catholicism.
* Persecution: While both monarchs witnessed some religious persecution, Mary's actions were much more severe and led to the deaths of many Protestants.
Both Edward and Mary left their mark on English history, shaping the religious landscape of the nation and contributing to the ongoing struggle between Catholicism and Protestantism. However, it is important to remember that these were complex times, and religious policies often intertwined with political maneuvering and power struggles.