The queen before Elizabeth I was Mary I of England, also known as Mary Tudor.

Quick Scoop

  • Mary I reigned as Queen of England and Ireland from July 1553 until her death on 17 November 1558, and Elizabeth I succeeded her directly.
  • She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, and Elizabeth I was her younger half‑sister through Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
  • Mary I is often remembered by the nickname “Bloody Mary” because of her harsh persecution of Protestants while trying to restore Catholicism in England.
  • There was a brief, disputed reign by Lady Jane Grey just before Mary, but Mary I is universally recognized as the legitimate queen immediately preceding Elizabeth I.

So, in simple terms: Mary I (Mary Tudor) was the queen right before Elizabeth I.

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