After the short reign of her cousin, Lady Jane Grey, Mary was put upon the throne of England. She was, perhaps, the most morbid of all the catholic rulers of England, earning her her nickname, Bloody Mary. She was a staunch catholic, and wanted England to to be only catholic as well. During her reign, protestants were persecuted more than ever. Mary had a relatively short reign (really long compared to Lady Jane Grey) of 5 years, during which, catholics prospered and protestants suffered. Finally, Bloody Mary died to the Flu, and her half sister Elizabeth I succeeded her.