Act for the Marriage of Queen Mary to Philip of Spain facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Citation | 1 Mar. Sess. 3 c. 2 |
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| Territorial extent | Kingdom of England |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | April 1554 |
| Repealed | 1863 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | Statute Law Revision Act 1863 |
| Relates to | Queen Regent's Prerogative Act 1554 |
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Status: Repealed
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Act for the Marriage of Queen Mary to Philip of Spain, also known as Queen Mary's Marriage Act, was an important law passed by the Parliament of England in April 1554. This law was created to set the rules for the upcoming marriage between Queen Mary I and Philip of Spain. Philip was the son and future heir of the powerful Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
This Act was like a special agreement between England and Spain. It explained what Spain could expect from the marriage. At the same time, it promised the English that their country would not become just a small part of Spain.
What Was the Act About?
This law made sure that Philip would share his wife's titles and honors. He would be called King of England and Ireland as long as they were married. All official papers, including new laws, had to be dated with both their names. Philip's name would come before Mary's, as was the custom for a husband and wife.
The Parliament of England would also be called together under the shared power of both Mary and Philip. The Act said that King Philip would help govern Mary's lands. However, it made sure that most of the power stayed with Mary herself.
Protecting England's Power
The Act was very clear that the new king, Philip, would not become too powerful. It stopped him from doing several things:
- He could not give important jobs to people from other countries.
- He could not take his wife, Queen Mary, or any children they might have, out of England.
- He could not claim the crown for himself if he lived longer than Mary.
The law also expected that Mary and Philip would have children. If they did, it allowed for personal union between England, Ireland, and all the lands Philip would get from his father or his grandmother, Queen Joanna. This would happen if Philip's son from an earlier marriage, Charles, died without children.
Queen Mary I and Philip of Spain were married in Winchester on July 25, 1554.
When Was the Act Ended?
The Act was officially ended, or repealed, by another law called the Statute Law Revision Act 1863. This happened many years later, in 1863.
See also
