The Three Who Ruled

Diverting from initial intentions, I decided that neither topic was progressing and therefore switched my focus to a subject I feel has more potential. I have been fascinated with Tudor history since my childhood. One topic that has long intrigued me, was what was the relationship of the Tudor siblings?


After nearly forty years on the throne the reign of King Henry VIII had come to an end. Never again would the country be the same. The King's legacy would be polarising; to some he was a modern monarch who had brought England into the Renaissance, but to others he was a brutal tyrant.

Yet Henry’s true legacy was his children. In an event that is practically unheard of in world history, all three siblings managed to ascend to the throne. Throughout their reigns they each faced problems. From fears of being usurped to differences in religion, it would have be perfectly logical for the three siblings to spend their lives as bitter rivals.

However the matter is far more complicated. Despite there being countless articles written in the last four hundred years on their individual reigns, there has been comparatively little written on their actual relationships. Nevertheless, several sources indicate they were much closer than most would suspect.

For example, in 1553 when Mary succeeded to the throne, she made certain her little brother, Edward received Protestant funeral rites despite the fact she was a devout Catholic. Likewise upon her march on London to seize the crown she invited Elizabeth to march with her. Elizabeth also spent much of Edward’s reign at Court with him.

How strong was their relationship? How did it change as their lives progressed? And what did the siblings really think of each other? That is what I intend to discover. The main focus of this of course will be upon Edward, Mary and Elizabeth.

Key dates I may need to look into include:
1533, Elizabeth’s birth,
1537, Edward’s birth,
1547, Henry’s Death and Edward’s succession,
1553, Mary’s succession,
1554, Wyatt Rebellion, leading to Elizabeth’s imprisonment.

Locations of course would include both Edward and Mary’s courts as well as their homes growing up, such as Elizabeth’s household in Hatfield where Mary stayed to look after her as a child.

Initial Ideas, and the Stories They May Become

Both my potential topics for research are serial killers. Mankind has always had a fascination with serial murderers. In the Greek Myths, the hero Theseus faces not one but several Serial Killers on his journey to Athens.[1] Modern historians have speculated the beliefs in werewolves may have stemmed from medieval killers. The fascination for such people is easy to understand. For in every culture murder is universally decried as one of the ultimate sins. So how is it possible for someone to commit multiple homicides and still claim to be human?


The problem is many serial killers are either too well known or too obscure. As such I've chosen two possible candidates, one that was especially well known and one that isn't.

Gary Ridgeway AKA The Green River Killer
America’s most prolific Serial Killer, operated between 1982 to 2000. During which time, he systematically abducted, then murdered female sex workers in Seattle.
Though sentenced for 49 deaths, Ridgeway confessed to 71, and estimates place his possible total death toll at over a hundred.
My research would go into Ridgeway’s motives and insanity,  such as, were their signs of derangement present for his whole life or not? and if so, when did such signs first manifest?
The advantage with using Ridgeway is that, as one of the most prolific killers, there is a wide variety of information about him and his crimes that is easily accessible.
The downside is, Ridgeway has already had multiple books (and a graphic novel) written about him, his life and his crimes. As such finding a fresh perspective could prove difficult.

Alexander Pichushki AKA The Chessboard Killer AKA The Bitsa Park Maniac
A Russian Serial Killer, operated between 1992 to 2005.
Convicted of causing 48 deaths, suspected of being responsible for 60; Pichushki confessed to 62 (on account of being unaware that two of his victims survived).
Interesting points of potential could be looking into the accident he suffered as a child, and whether this contributed to his bloodlust. Another possible point is whether or not there is any truth in the rumours of his killings being committed to challenge fellow Serial Killer Andrei Chikatotilo[2]. Also how true was Pichushki’s claim of desiring to kill 64 people, one for every square of the chessboard.
The advantage of doing Pichushki is he is not so well known and there is very little written about him.
The disadvantage is this also means there is less information and detail available to study.

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[1] Memorable members include Sinis, who tied his victims between two bent trees so they were ripped apart when he released them. And Procrustes the inn keeper who would stretch out his victims too short for their bed, cut off the legs of the ones to tall and simply smother the ones who fit.

[2] AKA The Red Ripper, convicted of murdering 52 women and children between 1978-1990.