ON THIS DAY - 19 July 1553

On This day (19 Jul) in 1553, the Lady Mary was proclaimed Mary I, Queen of England, 9 days after her kinswoman Lady Jane Grey had been.

‘Queen Mary I’ Artist: Hans Eworth Year: 1554 © National Portrait Gallery, London

This proclamation followed a chaotic 13 days since the death of Edward VI, in what many saw as an attempted coup orchestrated by Jane’s father-in-law John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, implementing the late king’s wishes in having a Protestant monarch on the throne. And now with Jane deposed, Mary, as the eldest surviving child of Henry VIII was finally regaining her birthright as Queen.

The Privy Council had convened the morning of 19 Jul at nearby Baynard’s Castle, where they declared for Mary; this was then announced to the people of London, who greeted the news with jubilation (in contrast to the news of 9 days previously). However, Mary did not hear the news of this declaration until the following day, when 2 members of Jane’s council rode to Framlingham Castle, Norfolk, where she had been gathering support.

‘Lady Jane Grey’ Unknown Artist Year: c1590-1600 ©️ National Portrait Gallery, London

Jane, having been abandoned by her supporters (including the Privy Council) in the previous days remained at the Tower of London: only her husband Guildford Dudley, her parents, her mother-in-law Jane Guildford, and her ladies remained with her. The Privy Council sent 1000 men to the Tower and informed Jane’s father Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, of their decision - he subsequently informed his daughter, reportedly pulling down the royal canopy of state which Jane was dining under - a symbol of her sovereignty.