Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554), "the nine days" queen of England, was born in Bradgate, Leicester-shire. She was the granddaughter of Henry VII's younger daughter Mary and the daughter of Henry Grey and Lady Frances Brandon. She was well educated and when a little girl entered the service of Queen Catharine (Parr), sixth wife of Henry VIII. Her father allied himself to the Duke of Northumberland, Lord Protector of Edward VI, who compelled her to marry his fourth son, Lord Guilford Dudley, and on the death of Edward VI had her proclaimed queen in London (July 10, 1553). Meanwhile Mary, daughter of Henry VIII was on her way to London. Northumberland was too weak to oppose her, and the lord mayor and aldermen, obeying orders, proclaimed Mary queen (July 19, 1553). Lady Jane and her husband were beheaded in the tower six months later.
