Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days' Queen

ady Jane Grey was the daughter of Henry Grey, the Duke of Suffolk. Henry was related through his great-grandmother, Elizabeth Woodville, to King Edward IV of England whom she married. Elizabeth Woodville was married first to Sir John Grey who died in 1461 and had a son, Thomas Grey, who was forced into exile by King Richard III. When Henry VII became king, Thomas Grey returned to England and was granted the title Marquess of Dorset.

Lady Jane's mother was Frances Brandon, the daughter of Mary Tudor and Charles, Duke of Suffolk. Mary Tudor was the younger sister of King Henry VIII and had married the much older King of France Louis XII. Their marriage was quickly ended when the French King died. She then married Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, Lady Jane's father.

Through her links to King Henry VIII Jane was also first cousin once removed of Prince Edward, the future King Edward VI of England, and his sisters Mary Tudor and Elizabeth, both of whom would become queens of England.

Jane was born in around 1537 possibly at her father's estate Bradgate in Leicestershire. She was given an exceptional education by her tutor Aylmer, the future Bishop of London. Under his guidance she was acquainted with the Scriptures and the Reformation. Edward VI, her cousin, was a companion and they most likely shared lessons together. Her love of learning led her to prefer to read and solitude rather than the pageant that would have been more normal for a young noble child.

To be completed...