Thursday, November 13, 2014

1553: The Trial of Jane Grey and Accomplices

Signature of Lady Jane Grey, signed 'Jane the Quene', during her brief tenure on the throne of England. Picture acquired through Wikimedia Commons. Image public domain.

On this day in 1553, the usurper Lady Jane Grey, her husband Guildford Dudley, and his brothers Ambrose and Henry Dudley, were all tried for treason at the London Guildhall on the orders of Queen Mary I. Archbishop Cranmer was also tried there as well.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

1555: Queen Mary I Makes England Catholic Again

Dual portrait of Catholic monarchs Queen Mary I of England and her husband, Spanish monarch King Philip II of Spain. Portrait acquired through Wikimedia commons Image public domain.

On this day in 1555, during the reign of Queen Mary I, Parliament re-established England as a Catholic nation subservient to Rome. England would remain a Catholic state until Mary's death in 1558,when the Protestant Elizabeth Tudor came to the throne.

Also on this day: In 1541, Queen Katherine Howard was examined regarding claims of her alleged infidelity.

Tamzin Merchant as Katherine Howard in the series The Tudors. Photo credit Showtime/BBC America.