Reformation in England - Lady Jane Grey

Lady Jane

It had been intended that Edward VI should marry Lady Jane Grey when he came of age but, when it became evident that Edward's poor health mitigated against a long reign, she was married to Guildford Dudley.

Edward's protestant advisors were aware that his half-sister, Mary, who was next in line for the throne, was a keen Roman Catholic whose intention would be, not only to undo the reforming work of Edward but also to undo all that Henry had done and to return England's Church to the domain of the Pope. Edward was persuaded to declare that Lady Jane Grey was to be his successor. This not only suited the protestants but also furthered the ambitions of John Dudley, the Duke of Northumberland, who was Jane's father-in-law.

Jane, herself, had not wished for her marriage to Guildford Dudley. She wished even less for the throne of England. However, she was given no choice in the matter. Her parents, as well as her parents-in-law, made it clear that she could not deny the late King's will. However, Dudley did not entirely get his own way with Jane. It was really his intention that Jane should declare her husband King once she had the throne. This, she made it clear, she would not do but proposed he should be made Duke of Clarence.

Jane was crowned "Queen of of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and of the Church of England and Ireland, under Christ on Earth, the Supreme Head," on 10th July 1553.

Her reign, however, was not to last even for two weeks. The majority of people were perfectly aware that she had little right to the throne. Mary, Henry's first-born, was free and had many powerful friends determined to see her take her rightful place as England's queen.