The Marian Persecution

The Marian Persecution was a period in 16th-century England when Catholics, especially those devoted to the Virgin Mary, faced significant oppression under Protestant rule. Authorities targeted priests, nuns, and laypeople involved in Catholic practices, viewing them as threats to the Reformation efforts. Many were imprisoned, exiled, or executed for practicing or advocating Catholic traditions. This persecution was part of broader religious conflicts during the Reformation, reflecting the state's efforts to consolidate Anglicanism and suppress Catholic influence. It highlighted the intense religious divisions and the costly struggle for religious identity and freedom in England at that time.