Who was Lady Jane Grey?
Lady Jane Grey, also known as the nine-day Queen, was an English noble woman who claimed the throne of England and Ireland from July 10th, 1553, until July 19th, 1553.
Lady Jane Grey was the great-granddaughter of King Henry VII, through his daughter Mary Tudor. And she was the great grandniece of Henry VIII, and first cousin once removed of Mary I, Elizabeth I, and their brother, Edward.
Lady Jane Grey had an excellent education and had a reputation as “The most learned young woman of her day.”
In May Lady Jane Grey married Lord Guildford Dudley, who was the younger son of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland.
After King Edwards death, Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed Queen and on July 10th, 1553, she awaited her coronation in the tower of London.
Though support for Mary I grew quickly, and soon most of Lady Jane Grey’s supporters abandoned her, and the privy council of England changed sides and proclaimed Mary I Queen. To make matters worse, Lady Jane Grey’s primary supporter, who was her father-in-law, the Duke of Northumberland was accused of treason, and Lady Jane was held prisoner in the tower of London and in November 1553, she was also convicted of treason.
How was Lady Jane Grey raised?
Lady Jane Grey was the eldest daughter of Henry Grey I, Duke of Suffolk, and his wife Frances Brandon. It’s said that she was born at Bradgate park in Leicestershire in October 1537, but doing more research it’s found that she was born earlier, possibly in London before May 1537.
Lady Jane Grey had two younger sisters: Lady Katherine, and Lady Mary.
Lady Jane Grey had received a humanist education, speaking Latin and Greek from a very early age, while also studying Hebrew and Italian. It is said that Lady Jane Grey preferred academic studies rather than activities like hunting parties.
In the spring of 1547, Lady Jane Grey was sent to the household of Tomas Seymour. Catherine Parr, Henry VIIIs widow, was very close to Henry’s children and oversaw their education. Catherine Parr was a very educated woman and was a real patron of the arts and music and she made sure to share these interests with Lady Jane Grey, who herself turned into a very intelligent, cultured, and pious woman.
How did it come down to Lady Jane Grey getting married?
After Lady Jane Grey’s father was created Duke of Suffolk in October 1551, Lady Jane Grey was constantly at the royal courts. And on May 21st, 1553, John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, who at that time had high power at that point in the minority of that king Edward. Joined with Suffolk in marrying Lady Jane Grey to his son Lord Guildford Dudley.
Lady Jane Grey’s extreme Protestantism made her a good candidate for the throne through those who supported the Reformation. However, that it was also brought her down from the throne and she was later executed for treason.
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