Why Queen Jane Had The Shortest, Most Tragic Reign in English History
Lady Jane Grey was a teenage martyr to religion and political dirty tricks
Throughout history, religious intolerance and power struggles have often led to injustice. England’s Tudor dynasty is considered one of its most significant, but King Henry VIII’s efforts to produce a male heir set up a chain of events that would result in the deaths of hundreds of innocent people. One of these was Lady Jane Grey.
The right of succession
When Henry died, he did so knowing that his son Edward VI would take his place. Unfortunately, the transfer of power after Edward’s death, just six years later, was a chaotic mess.
There were both Protestant and Catholic sympathizers in the royal court. The Protestants were struggling to retain control. The Catholics were hopeful that Edward’s half-sister Mary, a staunch Catholic, would become queen, and England would once again become a Catholic country. Her queenship would elevate their social standing and influence.
