1553 Lady Jane Grey

Question 1

Give an overview of the Lady Jane Grey coup

Answer 1

Mary’s accession to the throne was successfully challenged when the Duke of Northumberland had his daughter in law, Lady Jane Grey, crowned. Mary Tudor raised a force and Northumberland submitted without a fight after 9 days, Lady Jane Grey was executed

Question 2

How was Lady Jane Grey linked to the throne?

Answer 2

She was the great niece of Henry VIII and granddaughter of his sister Mary, making her next in line to the throne if Mary and Elizabeth were excluded

Question 3

What was the main cause of the Lady Jane Grey coup?

Answer 3

Dynastic succession

Question 4

Explain ‘The Devise’

Answer 4

Edward VI drew up ‘The Devise’ to exclude Mary from the succession in favour of Lady Jane Grey due to concerns of Mary being catholic

Question 5

Why was religion linked to the Lady Jane Grey coup?

Answer 5

The leaders of the coup were concerned that Mary’s accession would lead to a Catholic restoration and therefore rose to defend the changes brought about by Edward

Question 6

Why was faction linked to the Lady Jane Grey coup?

Answer 6

The attempts to alter the succession in favour of Lady Jane Grey were attempts to preserve the domination of Northumberland’s supporters, knowing they would lose influence when Mary came to the throne

Question 7

Which nobles were involved in the Lady Jane Grey coup?

Answer 7

Earl of Oxford

Earl of Huntingdon

Question 8

What were the outcomes of the Lady Jane Grey coup?

Answer 8

All classes show considerable loyalty to Tudor dynasty, irrespective of Mary’s religion
Northumberland and Lady Jane are executed

Question 9

Why was the Lady Jane Grey coup considered to be a high threat?

Answer 9

Coup might have succeeded had there been any popular support, as it was aimed at the heart of the government. Northumberland was able to seize control of power for a week

Question 10

Why did the Lady Jane Grey coup fail?

Answer 10

Northumberland’s unpopularity – he lacked significant support even from other nobles – and his failure to arrest Mary when he had the chance
Timing – Edward died before the “devise” could be approved by parliament; it was technically illegal for a minor to alter the wishes of the previous king
The failed coup show the people of England preferred a legitimate Tudor to a Protestant queen who was not a member of the royal family
The Protestant reformation was not yet entrenched – many welcomed the accession of Mary and the return of the old religion