'Lady Jane Grey'

       (October 1537 ~12th February 1554)

.The prayer book of 'Lady Jane Grey'.  Jane handed this prayer book to, Sir John Bridges, moments before her death.

She was the uncrowned, Queen of nine days.  Jane Grey, the eldest daughter of, Henry Grey and Frances Brandon.  Although, Jane was born into one of the wealthiest family's in England's 16th Century, her upbringing was far from happy.  

Frances Brandon was the eldest daughter of, Henry VIII's favourite sister Mary.  She was fourth in line to succession of the crown, under, Henry VIII's will.  When Henry's son, Edward VI, passed away at the tender age of fifteen the, Grey's had already married their daughter to, Guilford Dudley the son of,  John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland.  The powerful, Duke and Jane's parents plotted together in hope that, Jane would be a puppet queen with the, Duke pulling the strings. 

John Dudley succeeded in twisting the mind of the young and dying, Edward persuading him to believe that his Catholic sister, Mary who was next in line to the throne, would cause much unrest if she was to claim the crown, and the return of, Catholicism would be against his father's wishes.  So, Edward on his deathbed signed a declaration, a new will.  Princess Elizabeth, was branded illegitimate  and, Princess Mary was overthrown in favour of, Frances who handed her title directly to Jane.  However, this turned out to be a bad move; Mary had vast support country wide.  

Just nine day's of Jane being, Queen she was severely overthrown and ordered to renounce her title.  Mary's army  had won  a clear victory!  Jane was imprisoned in the, Tower of London where, on the 12th February she was executed within the, Tower walls, on Tower green.  Her husband, Guilford Dudley was also said to be innocent of the conspiracy; he was  just another puppet in the play.  Lord Guilford Dudley was executed also on the 12th February on Tower hill.

The diary of the Soul, 'My final hours', is an inspirational poetic piece of writing dedicated to, 'Lady Jane Grey'

Click link below to read:

My final hours

Links: Lady Jane Grey Reference guide

A guide to books  and other; 'Lady Jane Grey'  ladyjanegreyre

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Last modified: May 22, 2002