Does this not make her rule slightly more impressive? I know that traditional historians have hated her and called her "bloody Mary" for her persecution of protestants, but I feel like she deserves way more credit for managing to succeed economically and politically, especially in spite of Edward's reign.
In fact, I seem to remember a number of her policies were kept by Elizabeth, including a naval reform that was a contributing factor in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Serious question, surely Matilda was the first Queen of England? Though I appreciate that the Anarchy muddied the waters enormously.