The Times Mary Tudor Almost Fled England

Renaissance English History Podcast: A Show About the Tudors

Heather Teysko

History

4.6 • 624 Ratings

🗓️ 17 February 2026

⏱️ 25 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

There were moments in Mary Tudor’s life when escape seemed like the safest choice. Imperial ambassadors discussed secret routes to the coast. Ships waited across the Channel. Loyal advisers urged her to leave England before her enemies could move against her. In this video, we look at the most dangerous periods of Mary’s early life, first under her father Henry VIII, when Anne Boleyn’s rise left her isolated, illegitimate, and under constant pressure, and then again under her brother Edward VI, when her refusal to abandon the Catholic Mass brought her into direct conflict with the Protestant government. At least once, imperial ships were ready to carry her to safety in the Low Countries. All she had to do was go. But Mary refused every plan. She stayed in England, even when it put her at risk, and that decision would shape the dramatic events of 1553, when she claimed the throne. This is the story of the times Mary nearly escaped, and why she chose not to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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1:05.0	Mary Tudor stood close enough to the sea that a single decision could have changed English history.
1:11.7	There were ships waiting. There were ambassadors ready to escort her. There were plans
1:16.5	involving disguises, midnight journeys, and crossings to the low countries. Powerful relatives
1:23.1	urged her to leave England before things turned worse. Some of her own advisors believed it was the
1:29.8	only way to keep her safe. Once this happened while Anne Boleyn was queen and Mary had been stripped
1:36.5	of her title, cut off from her mother and surrounded by people who wanted her out of the way. Later, under
1:43.0	her brother, Edward V. Six VI, imperial ships were actually prepared
1:47.0	to carry her across the channel, while the government debated arresting her for hearing
1:52.0	at mass. More than once, escape wasn't just a rumor, it was a real option, and every time Mary
1:59.8	refused. So, my friend, get comfortable, grab a beverage of your
	...

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