Adaptations of the past through the steadily growing medium of historical fiction has seen turbulence and contentiousness from many academic fields over the several hundred years of the genre’s existence. Historians, novelists, philosophers and psychologists alike have considered the methods and consequences of combining fact and fiction in its own hybrid form. Overall the relationship between the two is ‘close but problematic’.1 This description is clear to see, since historical novels tend to feature on both the lists of bestsellers and critics.2 Historical fiction, regardless of its limitations, is relevant in today’s society: it is read worldwide, is ‘immensely popular’, and has a growing body of discussion in academia.3 It also shares features with historical films and television shows – other popular formats of exploring the past through entertainment. The genre has a long history, educational qualities, and an extensive list of benefits and drawbacks. Some of these will be examined here in a general sense, before being considered with analysis of Queen Mary I’s portrayal in historical fiction over three chapters.