After the death of Henry VIII in 1547, his son Edward VI ascended the throne at the age of just nine years old. Edward VI was the only legitimate son of Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour. Despite his young age, Edward VI was a devout Protestant and his reign was marked by significant religious reforms in England.

During his reign, Edward VI was heavily influenced by his advisors, particularly the Duke of Somerset and John Dudley, the Earl of Warwick. These advisors pushed for the further establishment of Protestantism in England, leading to the dissolution of monasteries and the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer.

Unfortunately, Edward VI's reign was cut short when he died of tuberculosis at the age of just 15 in 1553. His death sparked a succession crisis, as his half-sister Mary, the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, claimed the throne. Mary was a devout Catholic and sought to reverse the Protestant reforms enacted during Edward VI's reign.

Mary's reign, known as the "Bloody Mary" period, was marked by the persecution of Protestants and the restoration of Catholicism in England. Many Protestants were executed during Mary's reign, leading to a significant backlash against her rule.

After Mary's death in 1558, her half-sister Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, ascended the throne. Elizabeth I was a shrewd and capable ruler, who sought to find a middle ground between Catholicism and Protestantism in England. Her reign, known as the Elizabethan era, was marked by cultural flourishing and economic growth.

Overall, the succession from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I marked a tumultuous period in English history, with significant religious and political upheaval. Each monarch brought their own unique vision to the throne, shaping the course of England's history for years to come.

For more information on the Tudor succession, you can visit here.

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