Today is the 462nd anniversary of the marriage of Jane Grey to Guildford Dudley at Durham House in London.
Events by Place – Durham House – 25th May 1553
Was Guildford Dudley a good husband to Jane Grey by Leanda de Lisle
Another look at the wedding of Lady Jane
25 Royal Babies That Changed the World: A History, 1066 to the Present (Paperback) by Amy Licence
(c) Amberley Publishing
‘Babies are born every day, but only once or twice in a lifetime a child arrives who will inherit the throne. In the summer of 2013, the nation watched as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, became a new mother, giving birth to Prince George, our future monarch. The public eye rested once again on the Duchess during her second pregnancy, with predictions, expectations and a flurry of media attention around the birth, but, apart from the flashing cameras and internet headlines, this is nothing new. Royal babies have excited interest since before their births for more than a millennium. When a queen or princess conceived, the direction of a dynasty was defined and the health and survival of the child would shape British history.
Amy Licence explores the stories of some of these royal babies and the unusual circumstances of their arrivals, from the time of the Normans to the twenty-first century. 1470 saw the arrival of Edward, a longed-for son after three daughters, born in sanctuary to Edward IV and his beautiful but unpopular wife, Elizabeth Wydeville; he was briefly King Edward V at the age of twelve, but would disappear from history as the elder of the two Princes in the Tower. In 1511, amid lavish celebrations, Catherine of Aragon gave birth to the boy that would have been the future Henry IX, whose survival would perhaps have kept Henry from having six wives; alas, he was to die after just seven weeks. In 1817 came George, the stillborn son of Charlotte, Princess of Wales; had she not died as a result of the birth, she would have been queen instead of Victoria. This book explores the importance and the circumstances of these and many other arrivals, returning many long-forgotten royal babies to the history books.’
Further details – Amberley Publishing
Further details – Amazon.co.uk
(c) Amberley Publishing
‘In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn’ is the perfect companion for those wanting to visit places linked to Henry VIII’s second wife. As well as covering the well-known locations such as The Tower of London and Hever Castle, you can also follow Anne on the royal progress she made with Henry in 1535.
For each location the authors have included its history, how it links to Anne, what remains of the place today and important visitor information. The treasure trove section is a wonderful bonus. It is fascinating to find out about items belonging to or relating to Anne that have survived, even though hardly any are on public display.
Thanks to this book, I have already had a very enjoyable trip to The Vyne, a place I never knew had links to Anne and look forward to planning many more.
By following in the footsteps of Anne, you can also follow in those of Lady Jane Grey. Jane also had links to a number of the places mentioned: Tower of London, Durham House, Sudeley Castle and Palace of Beaulieu (New Hall). The church where Jane’s mother was christened is also mentioned.
I would say that the only thing missing from this book is an index.
Thank you to Amberley Publishing for my review copy.
On the 12th May 1553, Jehan Scheyfve reported to the Emperor details of Lady Jane’s upcoming marriage to Guildford Dudley.
‘Jehan Scheyfve to the Emperor.
Sire: The King is still indisposed, and it is held for certain that he cannot escape. The physicians are now all agreed that he is suffering from a suppurating tumour (apostème) on the lung, or that at least his lung is attacked. He is beginning to break out in ulcers; he is vexed by a harsh, continuous cough, his body is dry and burning, his belly is swollen, he has a slow fever upon him that never leaves him. A rumour was spread recently that the King was on the way to recovery and his illness was decreasing, to appease the people who were disturbed; and such things were being said, that three citizens who were accused of saying that the King was dead or dying had their ears torn off. The Marquis of Northampton, under colour of going to hunt and of carrying out a bet, has gone to Windsor, one of the principal fortresses in the kingdom, to set it in order and make it safe. It appears that my Lord Cobham has gone to a place called Romney Marsh, between Dover and Rye. He is to get it provisioned. It is a place of easy access and a convenient spot for landing troops.
This Whitsuntide the marriage of the Duke of Northumberland’s son to the eldest daughter of the late Duke of Suffolk is to be celebrated. They are making preparations for games and jousts. The King has sent presents of rich ornaments and jewels to the bride; moreover, by means of the Duke of Northumberland’s intercession, the Earl of Pembroke’s eldest son, who is at present very ill, is to marry the said Duke of Suffolk’s second daughter, and the third is to wed Lord Grey’s son. The Duke of Northumberland will give his daughter to the son of the Earl of Huntingdon, Knight of the Order, and a member of the Council. These lords were not of the Duke’s following and party. On every side, then, plans and preparations are being made to strengthen and consolidate the position. All dues are being collected wherever it is possible to do so, even to the smallest sums and fines owing to the Treasury and Court of Exchequer. The church furniture and ornaments have all been sold for cash. They have laid hands on plate and revenues, and it seems that the bells will be taken soon. The French ambassadors went to Court two days ago. They were received middling well, and according to what some people say, admitted to make their reverence to the King. M. de Boisdauphin took leave of his Majesty. The ceremony was so lightly gone through, I am told, that they did no more than go in and come out. This might have as an object to quiet the common people. It is believed that those in power are making attempts to induce the Lady Mary to come to Court to visit the King, her brother.
London, 12 May, 1553.’
‘Spain: May 1553’, in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 11, 1553, ed. Royall Tyler (London, 1916), pp. 37-48 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol11/pp37-48 [accessed 8 May 2015].
On the 5th May 1553, Jehan Scheyfve reported to the Bishop of Arras that King Edward VI’s illness was being talked about and dismisses a rumour that the eldest son of the Duke of Northumberland would marry Princess Elizabeth.
‘My Lord: I will add a line to my letters to the Emperor, to let you know that the people are beginning to talk of the King’s illness, and that it is variously discussed. Some say that the Lady Elizabeth, sister to the King, is to come to town shortly; and that the Earl of Warwick, the Duke of Northumberland’s eldest son, wishes to put away his wife, daughter of the late Duke of Somerset, and marry the said Elizabeth. This does not seem likely, at least for some time, as it might cause suspicions and friction between the Dukes of Northumberland and Suffolk, over the recent betrothal (of Lady Jane Grey and Lord Guilford Dudley). Nevertheless the possibility of this divorce was spoken of already a year ago. I beseech your Reverence to favour my recall, and commend myself most humbly to you.
My Lord, I have arranged with the courier, bearer of these letters, that he shall carry them for twelve crowns.
London, 5 May, 1553.’
‘Spain: May 1553’, in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 11, 1553, ed. Royall Tyler (London, 1916), pp. 37-48 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol11/pp37-48 [accessed 8 May 2015].
