THE LAND OF THE MISFIT QUEENS

Who was Lady Jane Grey, and Why was she beheaded?

As the shortest reigning Queen of England, Lady Jane Grey never got her shot at ruling a kingdom. Unfortunately, her people used her as a pawn in a political and religious struggle for power. She didn’t have much choice in the matter, but she made it into the history books like many queens before and after her.

Early Life and Background

Lady Jane Grey was born in Bradgate, Leicestershire, England, in 1537. As the great-granddaughter of the late King Henry VII, her noble status allowed her to have quality education and upbringing. Jane stayed in the household of Catherine Parr and her fourth husband, Thomas Seymour.

The Streatham portrait was discovered at the beginning of the 21st century and is believed to be based on a lost contemporary picture.

To put history into perspective, Jane grew up when King Henry VIII lived out the rest of his life and ultimately passed in 1547. King Henry VIII had three children: Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward. The eldest, Mary, was born from the union of Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The middle child, Elizabeth, was the child of Henry’s second wife, Anne Boleyn.

Plot to the Throne