Lady Jane Grey Flashcards
Who was Lady Jane Grey and what was her entitlement to the throne?
It was written in the succession by Henry VIII that before Mary it would be Henry VIII’s children, none of them had boys though. Lady Jane Grey was Henry VIII’s sister’s grand daughter (Mary - Henry’s sister married Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk and had Eleanor and Frances, then Frances had Lady Jane Grey, Frances and Mary. LJG then married G.dudley (Northumberlands son) Northumberland now in succession through relation.)
In 1553 she was the only one likely to have a male heir, but it was realised she wouldn’t have one in time so she was put as queen for 9 days before Mary as she was protestant and the most likely to have a male heir.
What were Edward’s original notes and ideas on the succession?
That he ended to bar Mary’s succession on the grounds that she is catholic, and it was initially suggested that the throne should pass to LJG’s male heirs, but she didn’t have any.
What is the ‘device’?
The succession, who was next in line for the throne.
How was Edward’s will changed in June?
It was changed again so that the device (succession) is then Lady Jane and her heirs male. meaning she would become queen until she had a male ‘heir’
What is the evidence to support that Northumberland was actually behind the will change as opposed to Edward?
On the 12th of June Edward visited Northumberland and law officers, where a new order was given to draw up a new will incorporating Edward’s device (the throne passing to LJG and her heirs male. It will be signed on the 21st of June and Edward wanted anyone of importance to witness him signing it. So there is some belief that Northumberland persuaded Edward to sign it wheras others say because of Edward wanting the presence of others it was actually all his choice.
What would be evidence behind Northumberland persuading Edward to change his will?
It’s essential to preserve his power
As a protestant he would loose power when the catholic Mary came to the throne
What would be evidence behind Edward changing his will independently without anything being said by Northumberland
He wanted the religious reform programme to continue
He was a committed protestant so wanted to stop a catholic monarch.
When and where was LJG crowned Queen?
10th July, she was taken to the tower where she was declared queen because of the tower’s importance, this meant that the country is still ruled by a protestant and Northumberland retains his power because his son is married to the queen.
