The Tragic Life of Lady Jane Grey (Hardback)
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 184
Illustrations: 32 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781399052702
Published: 30th September 2024
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Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day queen is considered to be one of the most tragic characters in English history. In July 1553 when King Edward VI died at the age of just 15 years old, the Tudor dynasty fell into chaos. The king had no legitimate male heirs and was determined his half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth would not inherit his throne, despite his father Henry VIII stating in his will that they should. We are led to believe that on Edward's instructions his cousin Lady Jane Grey was to be proclaimed queen. But who was she? Was she the innocent young girl that our history books tell us she was, or a religious fanatic with the aim of keeping Mary off the throne and England Protestant? Or was she nothing but a pawn to men in the game of power and politics, abused by her parents to marry against her will all for a crown she did not want? This book looks into her life from her early years in relative seclusion at the family home at Bradgate through to her tragic end on the scaffold at the Tower of London, executed on the orders of her cousin Queen Mary. What was her place within the Tudor royal family, was she ever entitled to claim the throne of England, and do we even recognise her as a true queen today?
A very interesting read with an engaging style of writing. Ms. Adams being her book with a run down of the main characters in the story of Lady Jane Grey. Frances Grey was a niece of Henry VIII and so provided a familial connection with the Tudor bloodline. It was good to read about the events of the Grey families lives and understand the motivations of Jane’s parents. Jane wasn’t the meek and mild mannered young girl history would have us believe. She was highly respected by serious reformist theologians on the continent and corresponded with two in particular. She was very forthright in her beliefs and made no effort to understand anyone with differing views. Despite this, she was misused by the power players of her day and ultimately by her father. I would recommend this as an entry level book for anyone wishing to delve into the life of Jane and the events in which she played her part.
NetGalley, Carol Standish-Leigh
The book is meticulously researched, drawing on primary sources and historical records to paint a nuanced portrait of Lady Jane Grey. It challenges the simplistic narrative of Jane as merely a victim of her circumstances, a helpless girl thrust into a role she neither sought nor desired. Instead, it examines the possibility of Jane being a religious zealot, willing to do whatever it took to keep England Protestant and out of the hands of her Catholic cousin, Mary. This perspective adds depth to her character, making her more than just a tragic figure, but a young woman with her own beliefs and ambitions, however misguided they might have been.
NetGalley, Joanne Ellis
Yet, the book does not shy away from the harsh realities of Jane's life. It portrays her as a victim of her parents' ambitions, forced into a marriage for political gain, and ultimately used as a pawn in the power games of men like John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. Her tragic end, executed on the orders of Queen Mary, is depicted with poignant detail, evoking sympathy for a young life cut short by the brutal politics of the Tudor court.
The author's exploration of Jane's place within the Tudor royal family and the legitimacy of her claim to the throne raises intriguing questions about her role in history. Was she ever truly a queen, or merely a puppet manipulated by those around her? The book invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of Lady Jane Grey, offering a more complex and multifaceted view of her life and legacy.
"Lady Jane Grey: The Nine-Day Queen" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that sheds new light on a figure often overshadowed by the more famous Tudors. It combines rigorous historical research with compelling storytelling, making it accessible to both history enthusiasts and general readers. By exploring the many facets of Lady Jane Grey's life, the book provides a deeper understanding of her tragic story and the turbulent times in which she lived, leaving readers to ponder the true nature of power, ambition, and innocence in the unforgiving world of the Tudors. I would most defiantly recommend this book.
‘There is a time to be born and a time to die, and the day of our death is better than the day of our birth.’
NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books
I’ve always admired Jane and I enjoyed learning more bout her.
This is my second read by Beverley :)
If you enjoy history and the Tudor era, check this one out!
‘A young innocent seventeen-year-old girl executed for being born into the royal house of Tudor.’
This book was fantastic! I am grateful to the publisher for fulfilling my 'wish' to make this book available to me with this thought-provoking book. One of the most tragic characters in history, the nine-day queen, is explored in great detail in The Tragic Life of Lady Jane Grey. Lady Jane Grey's complicated life narrative is examined by Beverley Adams, spanning from her early years spent in relative isolation to her tragic execution at the Tower of London. I couldn't help but wonder if she was a religious fanatic, a tool in a power struggle, or just a little girl swept up in the chaos of Tudor politics. This fascinating study explores her place in the Tudor dynasty and challenges our understanding of her actual historical status as a queen.
NetGalley, Fae k
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Heather Michael
Beautiful cover. I love reading anything about the Tudor's. I have not really found that many books about Lady Jane Grey. It is such a tragic story and I really loved what this author wrote! If you are a Tudor era fan, you need to read this book for sure! Highly recommend.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Elizabeth Schmit
Adams presents Lady Jane Grey’s life with clarity and empathy, exploring the political intrigue and personal misfortunes that led to her brief and tumultuous reign. The book is both informative and engaging, providing readers with a deep understanding of Jane Grey’s life and the era in which she lived. Adams’s narrative is compelling, making this a must-read for those interested in historical biographies and the complexities of Tudor history.
Lady Jane Grey is one of these women in history that you wish you could have taken by the hand and remove from a terrible situation. She’s also one of these figures in history you wish you knew more about, and I feel like this book makes a good introduction to Jane, her life and the history around her.
NetGalley, Sarah Matsson-Klingzell
Adam’s does a good job telling the life of a young woman who was betrayed by her family. As with most women in history, there is very little documentation about the person in question, but Adam’s works well with the sources she has available. I highly recommend this book for fans of Tudor history or those who are interested in learning more about the Grey family.
NetGalley, Abigail Tyn
I have been fascinated by the story of Lady Jane Grey since childhood and visited Bradgate Park many times over the years, latterly as a visitor experience volunteer. This new book, though it does not shed new insight into her tragic past is an enjoyable and thought provoking read. It is an eloquent addition to the catalogue of other books looking at Jane Grey's short life and death.
NetGalley, Mary Gibson
I think the tragic life of lady Jane is so interesting (and sad). I’m not much of a history girl but I felt this was informative and a good length with the right amount of information.
NetGalley, Cara Forbes
About Beverley Adams
Beverley Adams was born and raised in Preston, Lancashire. She gained her MA in English in 2018 and her first book, The Rebel Suffragette: The Life of Edith Rigby, was published in September 2021. She is passionate about bringing the lives of inspirational women back to life. Her interests include history, in particular local history, reading and travel.