On This Day (13 Nov) in 1553, a trial was held at in the Great Hall, in the City of London Guildhall; the trial of Lady Jane Grey, her husband Guildford Dudley, his brothers Ambrose and Henry ('Harry') Dudley, and Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury - all of whom had been accused of high treason for their roles in attempting to place Jane on the throne in Jul 1553.
Jane Grey had not left the Tower of London since initially arriving in triumph on 10 Jul; however since her arrest on 19 Jul she had been held in the house of the Gentleman Gaoler Nathaniel Partridge, on Tower Green, whilst her husband and his 4 brothers had been held in less comfortable surroundings within the Beauchamp Tower.
The quartet were accompanied by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. Having held the position for over 20 years, Cranmer had played a leading role in the annulment of Henry VIII's first marriage to Catherine of Aragon, the 'break' from Rome and the instigation of subsequent religious reform, known as the 'English Reformation'. Subsequently, on the succession of Catherine's daughter Mary, he was removed from his office and arrested.
On this November morning, the group were marched the mile through the streets from the Tower of London on foot, escorted by the Constable of the Tower, Sir John Gage. An axe was carried infront of them, turned away to symbolise they had not yet been condemned. Cranmer led the group, followed by Guildford, then Jane, dressed all in black, accompanied by two gentlewoman, with Ambrose and Harry at the rear.
The trial was preceded over by the Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, with all judges having Catholic sympathies. They heard how ‘Jane Dudley, wife of the same Guildford Dudley’ attempted to 'deprive' and 'destroy' Mary, and how and by entering the Tower of London on 10 Jul took possession "falsely and treacherously...forcibly held it". Evidence of Jane's treason was provided by her signing 'Jane the Quene'.
The trial heard from witnesses how Cranmer had encouraged heresy and had written heretical works, in addition to supporting the claim of Jane Grey, including helping seize control of the Tower of London. Initially denying any claims, Cranmer later pleaded 'guilty as charged'.
All others pleaded guilty to the charges put to them, admitting their actions earlier that summer; Jane in particular admitted to these, although stated that she felt that she had been 'manipulated' by others into accepting the crown against her judgement, and requested to be pardoned.
Commenti