Grey, Jane, Lady, 1537-1554

Lady Jane Grey was an English noblewoman and de facto Queen of England and Ireland from 10 July until 19 July 1553. She was the great-granddaughter of Henry VII through his younger daughter Mary, and was a first cousin once removed of Edward VI. In May 1553, she married Lord Guildford Dudley. In June 1553, Edward VI wrote his will, nominating Jane and her male heirs as successors to the Crown because Jane was a committed Protestant and would support the reformed Church of England.

After Edward's death, Jane was proclaimed queen on 10 July 1553 and awaited coronation in the Tower of London. The Privy Council of England suddenly changed sides and proclaimed Mary as queen on 19 July 1553, deposing Jane. Jane was held prisoner in the Tower and was convicted in November 1553 of high treason. Both Jane and her husband were executed on 12 February 1554.