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Contemporary Italian portrait of Cardinal Reginald Pole
Contemporary Italian portrait of Cardinal Reginald Pole, papal legate and archbishop of Canterbury under Mary I. Pole was the last Catholic archbishop of Canterbury and had claim to the English throne through his mother, who was the niece of Edward IV and Richard III. The portrait now hangs in Lambeth Palace.
Pole’s contribution to the Church under Mary Tudor, has recently been the subject of revision by Dr Eamon Duffy. Duffy argues that Pole’s contribution and his understanding of the religious situation in England has always been underestimated and the subject of extensive criticism. Instead, Duffy claims, Pole’s efforts to oversee England’s return to the Catholic Church were pursued vigorously and with the recognition that Catholic preaching to counteract Protestant preaching was key. Overall Pole is presented as an effective spiritual leader; far from the incompetent and bigoted figure related in traditional accounts. The argument that Pole influenced the programme adopted by the Marian regime and was the leading figure ultimately raises questions about Mary’s own influence. Whilst Duffy demotes Mary’s own role other contemporary historians, including Judith Richards, have sought to highlight Mary’s power and her input in the religious policies of her reign.
Contemporary Italian portrait of Cardinal Reginald Pole
Contemporary Italian portrait of Cardinal Reginald Pole, papal legate and archbishop of Canterbury under Mary I. Pole was the last Catholic archbishop of Canterbury and had claim to the English throne through his mother, who was the niece of Edward IV and Richard III. The portrait now hangs in Lambeth Palace.
Pole’s contribution to the Church under Mary Tudor, has recently been the subject of revision by Dr Eamon Duffy. Duffy argues that Pole’s contribution and his understanding of the religious situation in England has always been underestimated and the subject of extensive criticism. Instead, Duffy claims, Pole’s efforts to oversee England’s return to the Catholic Church were pursued vigorously and with the recognition that Catholic preaching to counteract Protestant preaching was key. Overall Pole is presented as an effective spiritual leader; far from the incompetent and bigoted figure related in traditional accounts. The argument that Pole influenced the programme adopted by the Marian regime and was the leading figure ultimately raises questions about Mary’s own influence. Whilst Duffy demotes Mary’s own role other contemporary historians, including Judith Richards, have sought to highlight Mary’s power and her input in the religious policies of her reign.