Throughout history, there have been monarchs whose reigns were marked not just by crowns and thrones, but by extraordinary amounts of bloodshed. Whether through fierce battles, harsh punishments, or political purges, some rulers left a legacy defined by their deadly decisions.
But who takes the crown as the deadliest monarch of all time? Let’s take a look at some of the most notorious rulers in history and explore the reasons behind their fearsome reputations.
Who was the deadliest monarch of all time?
Short answer – it depends what you class as 'deadly', as there are plenty in contention for the top prize! Here are some of the deadliest of them all...
King Henry VIII
Vicious and increasingly volatile in his later years, Henry VIII demanded the execution of anyone who angered him or got in his way. He famously had two of his six wives executed—Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard — as well as Thomas Cromwell, one of his trusted ministers.
The exact number of executions ordered by Henry VIII is not known, but it's believed to be between 57,000 and 72,000 during his 37-year reign. The executions fell into three main categories: heresy, treason and denial of his royal supremacy as head of the English church.
He also led England into wars with both France and Scotland during his rule, which resulted in many casualties.
To support his deadly preferences, he also passing the slightly horrifying act to make 'death by boiling' an accepted and legitimate form of execution.
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Queen Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I ruled during a period of significant turmoil, including the suppression of the Catholic rebellion in Ireland known as the Nine Years' War. The conflict resulted in the deaths of many Irish civilians and soldiers. She also faced the threat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, which led to significant losses on both sides.
Elizabeth's most infamous execution was that of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587. This was part of Elizabeth’s ongoing efforts to eliminate Catholic threats to her Protestant reign. The Babington Plot of 1586, in which Catholic conspirators planned to assassinate Elizabeth, was discovered, and the plotters were executed.
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King William I (The Conquerer)
After conquering England in 1066, William the Conqueror was relentless in his approach to those who resisted his rule, overseeing the execution of thousands of English rebels and resistance fighters. The Battle of Hastings itself was a bloody affair, with thousands of English soldiers killed in battle.
William also instigated the Harrying of the North (1069-1070), which devastated northern England. Entire villages were burned, crops destroyed, and thousands died from starvation or were killed in the ensuing violence. It’s estimated that 100,000 people perished during the campaign.
Queen Mary I
The nickname "Bloody Mary" says much about this Catholic queen, who ascended to the throne following the death of Edward VI. Determined to reverse the Reformation and return England to Catholicism, she revived old heresy laws that made being Protestant a treasonable offense. Over the next few years, hundreds of Protestants were burned at the stake, marking her reign with religious persecution and brutality.
Mary’s most infamous action was her execution of prominent Protestant reformers, which earned her the enduring title "Bloody Mary."
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