Katharina Buczek
So, by the time Mary died in 1558, she had nearly three hundred Protestants burned alive. The victims included both normal citizens, who were mostly poor, as well as some prominent figures– such as archbishops and bishops.
And Mary’s reign filled with murder was not forgotten. Instead, it earned her a lasting legacy and the nickname of “Bloody Mary.”
The Queen’s “Bloody Mary” Legacy
Mary’s affinity for execution is not the only reason why people believe she was the inspiration for the urban legend, though.
Some people report seeing Bloody Mary holding a deceased baby in her arms after appearing in the bathroom mirror.
And many believe this baby to be tied to the Queen’s tragic pregnancy.
Amidst trying to return England to the Catholic Church, Mary also yearned to get pregnant. She was already thirty-seven years old after taking the crown and wanted to ensure she produced an heir.
However, after announcing that she was pregnant two months after her marriage to Philip, no baby was ever born. Mary appeared pregnant and underwent symptoms.
But, her due date passed, and a baby had never come.
Instead, rumors began to swirl in the French court about Mary delivering a “mole” or “lump of flesh.” So, it is possible that the Queen suffered a molar pregnancy.
And sadly, by the time she died just five years later, Mary never gave birth to any children as she had hoped.
