Edward VI and Mary I

Henry VIII was succeeded by his son Edward VI (1547-1553), a strong Protestant. During his short reign, the Book of Common Prayer was written to be used in the Church of England. Edward died at 15. His half-sister Mary I (1553-1558) was a devout Catholic who persecuted Protestants, earning the nickname 'Bloody Mary'. She also died after a short reign, succeeded by her Protestant half-sister Elizabeth I.