Queen Mary I's coronation took place at Westminster Abbey, a traditional site for royal ceremonies in England. The event signified not only her ascension to the throne but also the reinstatement of Catholic rights in the wake of her brother Edward VI's Protestant reforms. The lavish ceremony was filled with symbols of monarchy and Christian faith, reflecting the profound religious tensions of the time. Mary, the daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, had always sought to reclaim the throne and restore her mother's Catholic faith to England. Her accession was marked by elaborate rituals, including the anointing with holy oil and the presentation of the crown, signifying her divine right to rule. Her reign was heralded by her supporters as a return to traditional values after a period of upheaval.

The coronation included significant figures such as Cardinal Reginald Pole, who played an instrumental role in supporting Mary's Catholic policies. As the ceremony unfolded, Mary made a public declaration of her intentions for her reign, promising to govern justly and restore the Church of England's ties with the papacy. The pageantry of the day was complemented by the participation of key political and religious leaders, who supported Mary during her ascendance. This event set the stage for her subsequent policies aimed at reversing Protestant reforms, leading to significant religious persecution and the Marian persecutions that defined her reign.

As Queen, Mary's significance was also marked by her decision to marry Philip II of Spain, further intertwining English royal affairs with European politics. The coronation was not solely a personal milestone for Mary, but a major event that reflected the shifting tides of political and religious allegiances in England. This substantial event influenced the trajectory of English history and marked the beginning of Mary's efforts to solidify her rule over a predominantly Protestant nation.