It was the next twist of fate that began to lead Jane further down the path towards execution.
In 1549, Seymour was arrested for breaking into the king's apartments, and at a later date, executed for treason. Jane's future now came under the scrutiny of the man who was to ultimately play the biggest part in her downfall - John Dudley.
John Dudley, the duke of Northumberland, focused his attentions on Jane, seeing in her a way to attain the power that he had always sought.
Northumberland was a Protestant who advocated anti-Catholic policies. At that time in 16th century England, Protestants and Catholics were adversely opposed to each other. Although Edward was a Protestant and on the throne, he was a sickly child of fifteen and it soon became clear that he would not survive into adulthood.
Henry VIII in his will had named Mary as next in line to the throne after Edward, and if Edward did not produce a son, then Mary, a Catholic, would rule England. This did not sit at all well with Northumberland. He realised that as Edward's chief advisor, should Mary ascend the throne, she would make him pay heavily for his anti-Catholic policies.
Enter Lady Jane Grey. With Jane being fourth in line to the throne, Northumberland saw the ultimate solution to his problem. He contrived a way to keep his power!!
What dastardly deeds did Northumberland have mind? Did his scheming help him retain his powerful position at court? Join me next week to discover Northumberland's schemes and what they portend for Jane.
Visit the official Lady Jane Grey Web site.
Also visit Wendy's Dunn's Tudor England She's our resident expert on the Tudor Period.
If you liked this article you might be interested in these: Simon De Montfort Daniel Lambert Elizabeth Heyrick The Elephant Man Guy Fawkes William Cheselden
Thank you Wendy!
 |
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Elizabeth Batt's Leicestershire topic, please visit the Discussions page.