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On 10th July 1553, Lady Jane Grey became Queen of England after the
death of the 14-year-old King Edward VI.
Born in 1537, Jane was the great-granddaughter of Henry VII, making
her a Tudor through her mother’s lineage. As Edward VI was
gradually and without doubt dying, his regent the Duke of
Northumberland was challenged the likelihood of losing his power,
much his wealth and in all likelihood his life if Edward’s sister
Mary succeeded to the throne, as the Third Act of Succession and
Henry VIII’s will directed.
Mary was a unwavering Catholic, who was envisaging to recoup for
the church the properties and land allocated by Henry VIII to his
devoted followers during the dissolution. Northumberland had
profited tremendously from the acquisition of land.
Mary also indicated a desire to form a relationship with Catholic
Spain by marrying Spanish Prince Philip. This alliance was viewed
as a step of driving Northumberland and his friends out of any
positions of power. Northumberland had seized power heartlessly in
the past. A family such as the Seymours, who had perished as a
result of his influence, would have in all likelihood threatened
him once his power disappeared.
The audacious and fraught Northumberland decided to act in what
were desperate measures. He persuaded the dying Edward to indicate
that Mary and her sister Elizabeth may well be believed
illegitimate, and to create a will appointing the king’s cousin
Lady Jane Grey, a fervent Protestant, the heir upon his death.
Historians assert that the will was partially falsified, having
been meant to pass the crown to the future male heirs of Jane Grey.
Jane was hurriedly married to Lord Guilford Dudley,
Northumberland’s son, in May 1553, against her wishes. She
considered him unattractive and rather daft.
On 6 July 1553 Edward VI died. Northumberland compelled the judges
and Council to declare Jane Queen, threatening any person who went
in opposition to him.
Northumberland indeed achieved his goal. On 10 July 1553 Lady Jane
was declared Queen Jane. Northumberland did miss one minor detail,
Mary had avoided being captured and was secure at Framlingham
Castle in Suffolk, and it was here Mary garnered even more support
to become queen and planned her next move.
Of course we all know the story ends nine days later, when Jane is
stripped of the crown and Mary becomes Queen. Unfortunately Jane’s
nine days did not sit well with Queen Mary; Jane was executed with
her husband in 1554.
Photo Credit: Lisby via photopin
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