A Monarch A Month - Edward VI and Lady Jane Grey

Hi all!

This month it's two monarchs for the price of one in my attempt to stitch Bothy Threads' Kings and Queens one monarch at a time over the course of four years.

The reason for two monarchs this month is twofold. Firstly, Lady Jane Grey is not usually classed as being a 'monarch' and secondly, stitching LJG gave me the opportunity to catch up on the month I missed back in February.

First up is Edward VI who, I believe, is sucking his thumb?

Edward VI from Kings and Queens by Bothy Threads

Started - 1st October 2020

Finished - 3rd October 2020

Total stitching time - 3 hours 40 minutes

EDWARD VI
Preceded by Henry VIII (father)

Succeeded by Lady Jane Grey (first cousin once removed)
Lived - 1537-1553
Reigned - 1547-1553
No marriage, no children

Edward VI became King at the age of nine when his father died. His mother was Henry's third and favourite wife, Jane Seymour.

As Henry's only son and heir, no expense was spared on Edward's comfort, education and upbringing. He was the model heir - studious, academic and fully aware of his duty to the crown, church and country.

But Edward was King only in name; until he turned 18, Henry had stipulated a Regency Council consisting of sixteen nobles would rule on his behalf.

In reality, however, the Council (possibly through bribery) voted first Edward Seymour and then John Dudley as Protector, in effect giving them the power of a king.

Both were power-hungry schemers, but whereas Seymour abused his position and the trust placed in him, Dudley sought approval from his peers and made it clear he worked in the name of the King.

Edward can be credited for implementing sweeping and long-lasting Protestant reforms to the Church Of England, including introducing The Book of Common Prayer, which is still used today.

He also founded Christ's Hospital, a charity school educating boys from poorer backgrounds. 500 years later the school thrives with the same ethos, and pupils still wear the original Tudor uniform.

[side note - my hubby and his brother both went to Christ's Hospital and we often attend the annual open day reunions, so I am fairly familiar with the school and its history. For anybody who has ever seen the annual Lord Mayor's Parade in London, the school band always lead it.]

When Edward discovered he was terminally ill, he proposed the crown go to Lady Jane Grey, the Protestant granddaughter of his father's youngest sister. His own half-sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, were excluded for having been proclaimed illegitimate, and Mary for also being Catholic.

 

Edward was only 15 when he died in 1553, probably from tuberculosis. He is buried in Westminster Abbey, his tomb marked by a stone laid by Christ's Hospital.

So next up, Lady Jane Grey, where not everything went according to plan...

And here's Lady Jane Grey, an innocent pawn in her manipulative relatives' game of power, and moments before her execution, looking understandably terrified:

Lady Jane Grey from Kings and Queens by Bothy Threads

Started - 4th October 2020

Finished - 5th October 2020

Total stitching time - 3 hours 20 minutes

LADY JANE GREY

Preceded by Edward VI (first cousin once removed)

Succeeded by Mary I (first cousin once removed)
Lived - 1536/7-1554
Reigned - officially 10th-19th July 1553 (unofficially 9th-23rd July)
Married - Lord Guildford Dudley, no children

Sixteen year old Lady Jane Grey had been named by Edward as his heir due to being the first suitable Protestant in the line of succession.

It is likely that Edward's decision had been influenced by his Protector, Dudley, since Jane had married Dudley's son, Guildford, early in 1553, and he was aware of the power and influence he would gain with his daughter-in-law as Queen and son as King.

She was proclaimed Queen by the Privy Council on 10th July 1553, and reluctantly accepted. But she had little support.

In contrast, Edward's half sister, Mary, had support not only from Catholics wanting England returned to Catholicism, but also from some Protestants who regarded as her as Edward's true heir.

In order to keep Jane on the throne, Dudley planned to capture Mary. But whilst en route, most of the Privy Council changed their allegiance and now proclaimed Mary rightful Queen.

Jane willingly conceded to Mary and, alongside Guildford and Dudley, was arrested and imprisoned.

Dudley was executed in August 1553 but Jane and Guildford, despite being found guilty of treason in November 1553, were allowed to live since Mary considered them to be of little threat.

In January 1554 Jane's father, and two of his brother, joined Wyatt's Rebellion to protest about Mary marrying the Catholic King Phillip II of Spain. Jane's father was executed and, recognising Jane still had support, Mary now ordered Jane's and Guildford's executions.

They were beheaded on 12th February 1554 and are buried together in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula on Tower Green.

So next month, 'Bloody' Mary, the second of Henry VIII's children to become monarch.

Take care,

Rachel x