Lady Jane Grey Reference Guide

Thank you Lee!

Posted on 3rd September 2026 by ladyjanegreyreference

A huge thank you to Lee Porritt from Lady Jane Grey Revisited for this beautiful drawing of Lady Jane to celebrate my 25th anniversary.

Should Jane be known as Queen Jane or Lady Jane?

Posted on 3rd September 2026 by ladyjanegreyreference

Sharon Bennett Connolly (author of Heroines of the Tudor World)

Ah, that is an easy one. If Edward V is in the history books as king, even though he was never crowned, then so should Jane Grey be recognised as Queen Jane. And so should Matilda! Nuff said!

Heather Darsie (author of Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King’s Beloved Sister)

She should be known as Queen Jane, in my opinion. Though her accession to the throne was incomplete due to her never being annointed, she was properly designated as Edward VI’s heir. Mary I essentially staged a coup, in some ways, to take back what Mary saw as her birthright.

Posted in 25 years of Lady Jane Grey Reference Guide | Tagged 25 years, Heather Darsie, Queen or Lady, Sharon Bennett Connolly | Comments Off

This is how my website started….

Posted on 2nd September 2026 by ladyjanegreyreference

From 2001-2012 this is how my website looked. This screenshot is from 2008.

Posted in 25 years of Lady Jane Grey Reference Guide | Tagged 25 years | Comments Off

Should Jane be known as Queen Jane or Lady Jane?

Posted on 2nd September 2026 by ladyjanegreyreference

Beverley Adams (author of The Tragic Life of Lady Jane Grey)

Well, she was proclaimed Queen, so yes, that is how she ought to be known. I am pleased to see many historical sites including her on their ‘Kings & Queens’ merchandise, so I think there has been a gradual movement towards accepting her as Queen. Many would argue that the fact she wasn’t crowned means she wasn’t a true queen, but neither was Edward V or Edward VIII, yet they are both referred to as kings.

Laura Brennan (author of Elizabeth I: The Making of a Queen)

Even though Jane was never crowned and had a de facto rule, I truly believe she deserves the title Queen – she fulfilled that role and would forfeit her life for those nine days so should be part of the list of English monarchs, and should, in my view only be referred to as Lady Jane Grey prior her marriage and Lady Jane Dudley after marriage and after Mary’s accession.