Page:History of the Kings and Queens of England.pdf/14

 MARY, daughter of Henry VIII., and Catherine of Arragon, was born February 18, 1515, and obtained the crown in 1553, after deposing the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey, whom she caused to be beheaded, with Lord Dudley, and other persons of quality. Her chief characteristics were bigotry and revenge, and nearly 300 persons suffered martyrdom for the cause of religion, by her command. She espoused Philip II. king of Spain, but had no happiness in that union. She died on the 17th November, 1558, in the 43d year of her age, and the 6th of her sanguinary reign.

In this reign two small towns in Nottinghamshire were beaten down by a thunder-storm, and by hailstones.

ELIZABETH, danghter of Henry VIII., and Ann Boleyn, was born September 8, 1533, and was crowned on the 15th of January, 1559. She possessed remarkable penetration and depth of judgment; she was also a consummate politician, and her reign was the school of able ministers, great statesmen, and distinguished warriors. She was never married, her policy making her averse to the marriage state. Under her patronage the English enjoyed a felicity unknown to their ancestors. She died March 24, 1603, in the 70th year of her age, and 45th of her reign.

In this reign the Armada of Spain was defeated and destroyed; the foundation of the Royal Exchange, London, was laid, watches were first introduced from Germany.