Lady Jane Grey was Queen of England for just Nine Days from Monday 10th July 1553 to Wednesday 19th July 1553. It would be the shortest reign in English history.
The death of Edward VI
Edward VI, a devout Protestant and Henry VIII's only son, died of tuberculosis. His father’s will had specified that Mary should become Queen if Edward VI died without any heirs but John Dudley, the first Duke of Northumberland (1504 - 1553) had different ideas. He persuaded the dying Edward VI to agree that the claims of Mary Tudor and her sister Elizabeth (later to become Elizabeth I) should be passed over and that the crown was to be left to 'the Lady Jane and her heirs male.' Dudley's aim was simple; he wanted to remain in power and he only could do that if England had a pliable monarch. His solution was the Lady Jane Grey.
Refusing the Crown
Lady Jane Grey was a highly educated young woman and was not the meek and mild puppet he had perceived her to be. With her parents approval it was arranged for Jane to marry Dudley's son, Lord Guildford Dudley. But she would not have him as he was a spoilt and surly individual from a family of the same lack of integrity. Jane wished to stay within the comfort of her books and learnings. After being beaten by her mother she had no choice but to marry him. The marriage went ahead but it was not a happy union. Wives did not own lands nor their bodies but Jane refused to sleep with her husband Guildford.
Long live the Queen!
Edward VI died in July 1553, Jane was brought to Syon House near to London and there was forced to agree to become Queen of England. She was led to the throne by Dudley and she began to shake with fright. To her horror Dudley stated that Edward VI had named her his heir. With that, every person in court knelt in reverence before her, Jane fainted. No one went to her aid. When she came to she got up and said "The crown is not my right. It pleases me not. Mary is rightful heir." In the end from pressure from her husband, her uncle and parents Jane gave way and accepted the crown even though it did not sit well with her "It did not become me to accept" she said.
The Protestant Queen Jane and her husband Guildford Dudley were taken in full state from Syon House to the Royal Apartments in theTower of London to await her crown. Jane was not a popular choice for the people of England. They supported Mary Tudor and was proclaimed Queen. Dudley was taken to the Tower. He was soon to die a traitor.
On 19th July 1553, Jane was at supper that day. She had noted how quiet it was. Her father Henry Grey, Lord Dorset, ran into the room, tore down the royal arms above her chair and said "You are no longer queen". "May I go home?" Jane asked. Her father didn't answer and fled from the Tower, deserting his daughter to her fate. The guards soon arrived for her.
She was moved from the palace within the Tower to the house of one of the gaolers. She lived in comfort and was allowed her books. She ate her meals with the jailer and his family. She did not complain. It was probably a better life than she had with either her husband or parents even though she was still a prisoner at Her Majesty's pleasure. Queen Mary did not wish to harm Lady Jane Grey and had meant to set her free one day as soon as Mary herself has a son and heir of her own.
On 12th February 1554, after 7 months of being in the Tower of London and will out being charged of an offence Lady Jane Grey was executed at theTower of London Beauchamp Tower
Jane's death warrant was signed by Queen Mary later known as 'Bloody Mary' for her persecution of Protestants. Lady Jane Grey was just 16 years old, a puppet in the hands of her father as many women have been and many in the world still are.
2. Anne Boleyn (1536)
3. Countess of Salisbury (1541)
4. Katherine Howard (1542)
5. Lady Rochford (1542)
6. Lady Jane Grey (1554)
In February a group of my girlfriends and I went to The National Gallery in London to see a special exhibition: Painting History Delaroche and Lady Jane Grey. I have a copy of Deleroche's 1833 painting 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey' in my home. Even though not historically accurate (with regards to the dress of the executioner and Lady Jane Grey herself) and the location (she was executed on the green at a private execution) I find this painting fascinating. There is such tenderness, sorrow yet vulnerability within this theatrical scene. See the painting for yourself at the National Gallery, London.
Read my blog about the Tower of London where Lady Jane Grey was executed
The death of Edward VI
Edward VI, a devout Protestant and Henry VIII's only son, died of tuberculosis. His father’s will had specified that Mary should become Queen if Edward VI died without any heirs but John Dudley, the first Duke of Northumberland (1504 - 1553) had different ideas. He persuaded the dying Edward VI to agree that the claims of Mary Tudor and her sister Elizabeth (later to become Elizabeth I) should be passed over and that the crown was to be left to 'the Lady Jane and her heirs male.' Dudley's aim was simple; he wanted to remain in power and he only could do that if England had a pliable monarch. His solution was the Lady Jane Grey.
Refusing the Crown
Lady Jane Grey was a highly educated young woman and was not the meek and mild puppet he had perceived her to be. With her parents approval it was arranged for Jane to marry Dudley's son, Lord Guildford Dudley. But she would not have him as he was a spoilt and surly individual from a family of the same lack of integrity. Jane wished to stay within the comfort of her books and learnings. After being beaten by her mother she had no choice but to marry him. The marriage went ahead but it was not a happy union. Wives did not own lands nor their bodies but Jane refused to sleep with her husband Guildford.
Long live the Queen!
Edward VI died in July 1553, Jane was brought to Syon House near to London and there was forced to agree to become Queen of England. She was led to the throne by Dudley and she began to shake with fright. To her horror Dudley stated that Edward VI had named her his heir. With that, every person in court knelt in reverence before her, Jane fainted. No one went to her aid. When she came to she got up and said "The crown is not my right. It pleases me not. Mary is rightful heir." In the end from pressure from her husband, her uncle and parents Jane gave way and accepted the crown even though it did not sit well with her "It did not become me to accept" she said.
The Protestant Queen Jane and her husband Guildford Dudley were taken in full state from Syon House to the Royal Apartments in the
On 12th February 1554, after 7 months of being in the Tower of London and will out being charged of an offence Lady Jane Grey was executed at the
Jane's death warrant was signed by Queen Mary later known as 'Bloody Mary' for her persecution of Protestants. Lady Jane Grey was just 16 years old, a puppet in the hands of her father as many women have been and many in the world still are.
Traitors in the Tower of London:
1. Lord Hastings (1483)2. Anne Boleyn (1536)
3. Countess of Salisbury (1541)
4. Katherine Howard (1542)
5. Lady Rochford (1542)
6. Lady Jane Grey (1554)
In February a group of my girlfriends and I went to The National Gallery in London to see a special exhibition: Painting History Delaroche and Lady Jane Grey. I have a copy of Deleroche's 1833 painting 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey' in my home. Even though not historically accurate (with regards to the dress of the executioner and Lady Jane Grey herself) and the location (she was executed on the green at a private execution) I find this painting fascinating. There is such tenderness, sorrow yet vulnerability within this theatrical scene. See the painting for yourself at the National Gallery, London.
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| Paul Delaroche, 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey', 1833 |
Read my blog about the Tower of London where Lady Jane Grey was executed
