Welcome to part two of Johanna Strong’s episodes exploring Mary I’s life. In this one we discover Mary I’s connections to two English landmarks - Wolvesey Castle in Winchester, and Hampton Court Palace in Surrey. Both sites observed major moments in her life, namely marriage and expected childbirth.

Content Warning - This episode contains a sensitive topic that some people may find uncomfortable. It concerns phantom pregnancies. If you wish to avoid this section, skip between 11:15 and 15:18.

In 1553, Mary I succeeded Edward VI to the throne and in doing so made English history by being the first crowned queen regnant of England – that is, she was queen in her own right. As a result, many important events in her life as queen were historical firsts for England. Never before had a queen regnant in England been married during her reign and never before had an English queen regnant taken to her chambers to give birth. Yet little of her life has been interpreted at either of the sites which saw some of these historical firsts.

For more information, including show notes and a transcript, please visit our website: https://www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/hampshire-histbites-episodes