Why did Mary I succeed Edward VI of England?
Inheritance under the Third Succession Act, after a contested nine days. Half-sister — both children of Henry VIII, by different mothers.
The short answer
Edward VI's death on 6 July 1553 was followed by an attempt to crown Lady Jane Grey under his 'Devise'. Mary, next in line under Henry VIII's will and the 1543 Act, rallied support and was proclaimed queen on 19 July. The interval is why some lists show Jane between them.
Who they were
Key points
- Next in line by statute and by Henry VIII's will
- Edward's Devise tried to exclude her; it failed within nine days
- Proclaimed 19 July 1553
Sources
- Mary I of EnglandAccession of 1553
Explanation written and reviewed by HistorIQly · reviewed 2026-09-18. Part of the House of Tudor family tree. Background on Wikipedia.