Edward VI & Mary I: History Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds (KS3)

Instructions

Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. This worksheet will explore the short but eventful reigns of two of Henry VIII's children: Edward VI and Mary I.

Part 1: Who's Who and What's What?

Match the term in the left column with the correct description in the right column. Write the correct letter in the blank space provided.

Part 2: Fill in the Blanks

Use the words from the word bank below to complete the paragraph. Not all words will be used.

After the death of Henry VIII, his son (1)______________________ ascended to the throne at the very young age of (2)______________________. During his reign, England became more officially (3)______________________, with major changes like the introduction of the (4)______________________. When the young king died, there was a brief attempt to put his cousin, (5)______________________, on the throne to keep England from returning to Catholicism. However, Henry's eldest daughter, (6)______________________, gathered support and became queen. She was a devout (7)______________________ and tried to undo her father's and brother's religious reforms, even marrying the powerful Catholic king of Spain, (8)______________________.

Part 3: True or False?

Read each statement below. If the statement is true, circle T. If it is false, circle F.

1. T / F     Edward VI ruled for over 20 years.

2. T / F     Mary I was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.

3. T / F     Under Mary I, England became a Protestant country again.

4. T / F     Lady Jane Grey successfully ruled England for many years after Edward VI.

5. T / F     Edward VI was a strong Catholic, just like his mother Jane Seymour.

6. T / F     Mary I's marriage to the King of Spain was very popular with the English people.

Part 4: Think About It

In your own words, explain the main difference between the religious policies of Edward VI and Mary I. Why do you think their reigns caused so much conflict in England?

Answer Key

Part 1: Who's Who and What's What?

1. C. The Protestant son of Henry VIII who became king at just nine years old.
2. A. The devout Catholic daughter of Henry VIII who tried to reverse the English Reformation.
3. E. The 'Nine Days' Queen' who briefly held the throne after Edward's death.
4. D. An English prayer book introduced to make church services Protestant.
5. F. A nickname given to Mary I due to her persecution of Protestants.
6. B. The King of Spain who became Mary I's husband.

Part 2: Fill in the Blanks

1. Edward VI
2. nine
3. Protestant
4. Book of Common Prayer
5. Lady Jane Grey
6. Mary I
7. Catholic
8. Philip II

Part 3: True or False?

1. F (He ruled for only six years, from 1547-1553).
2. T
3. F (She tried to make it Catholic again).
4. F (She ruled for only nine days before being deposed and later executed).
5. F (He was a devout Protestant).
6. F (It was very unpopular and led to fears of Spanish control).

Part 4: Think About It

(Student answers will vary but should include points similar to the following):

The main difference was their religion. Edward VI was a Protestant and wanted to make England a fully Protestant country. He did this by changing church services to be in English and introducing the Book of Common Prayer. Mary I was a devout Catholic and wanted to reverse all of Edward's changes and bring England back to the Catholic Church. She did this by restoring Catholic practices and persecuting Protestants.

Their reigns caused so much conflict because religion was central to everyone's life. The rapid switch from Protestantism under Edward to Catholicism under Mary was confusing and frightening. People were forced to change their beliefs and practices, and those who refused faced severe punishment, including being burned at the stake. This created instability and divided the country.