Martyr

Some Catholics regarded Mary as a martyr, and the execution of a fellow queen created exactly the dangerous precedent Elizabeth had feared. Nevertheless, the feared widespread Catholic rebellion did not follow; most English Catholics remained loyal.

Within England, Catholics could regard More as a martyr whose death encouraged continued resistance. At the same time, his execution created fear: if a respected former Chancellor could be killed, other critics could hardly assume that they were safe. Repression could silence public opposition without removing the beliefs behind it.