AFTER reading the Echo I always like to turn to the Quiz of the Day to tax my brain.
Recently, one of the questions was “Who was the first Queen of England to reign in her own right’’, the answer the following day was given as Mary I. But as a keen history buff I was completely convinced that it was Queen Matilda.
The reigning King Henry I, (1100) lost his only son and heir in an accident at sea and named his eldest daughter Matilda as his successor. She, of course, was usurped by her cousin Stephen when Henry died in 1135. However, she regained the throne in 1141 until 1145 when Stephen again took the throne back. A deal was struck between them that she would not try to regain the throne as long as her son Henry II became the successor after Stephen’s death. The fact remains though that she did inherit the throne of England legitimately and indeed reigned as Queen for four years in her own right. This I think makes her the first Queen and not as said Queen Mary.
S E IRELAND, Southampton.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article