The first Queen of England to rule in her own right was Queen Mary I, also known as Mary Tudor. Born to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, she ascended to the throne in 1553 after the death of her half-brother, Edward VI. Mary's reign was marked by her attempts to restore Catholicism in England following the Protestant Reformation. Known for her persecution of Protestants, which earned her the nickname "Bloody Mary," her rule faced significant opposition and led to societal divides. Although her reign lasted only five years, it set the stage for her half-sister, Elizabeth I, who would significantly influence English history thereafter.