After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: Execution of Lady Jane Grey
Release Date: October 21, 2024
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Guest: Dr. Tracy Borman

Introduction

In this gripping episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the tragic and brief reign of Lady Jane Grey, famously known as the "Nine Day Queen." Joined by esteemed historian Dr. Tracy Borman, the discussion unpacks the complexities behind Jane's ascent to the throne, her subsequent downfall, and the enduring legacy of her execution.

The National Gallery’s Depiction

Anthony opens the conversation by describing Paul Delaroche’s evocative painting, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, housed in the National Gallery. He remarks, “Jane has been calm until this final moment when blindfolded and kneeling, she has reached forward to put her neck on the executioner's block. But she's been unable to find it. Where is it? What shall I do?” (05:40). This portrayal captures the poignant mixture of powerlessness and dignity that defines Jane’s final moments.

Background: Lady Jane Grey’s Rise to Power

Dr. Tracy Borman provides a thorough background on Lady Jane Grey’s lineage and the tumultuous Tudor succession. Jane, born into nobility as the daughter of Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk, possessed royal blood through her mother, originating from Henry VIII’s sister Mary. This lineage positioned her fourth in line to the throne at the time of Henry VIII’s death.

Edward VI, Henry VIII's only son, inherited the throne but remained a staunch Protestant. Influenced by John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, Edward orchestrated a succession plan favoring Jane to maintain Protestantism in England. Dr. Borman explains, “Edward diverts the succession away from his sisters and towards Lady Jane and her heirs” (05:34).

The Complex Succession Plan

Anthony seeks clarity on the machinations that secured Jane’s brief queenship. Dr. Borman elaborates on the fragile politics at play, highlighting John Dudley’s ambition to install his son Guildford as king. “John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, has kind of lined all of this up” (09:11), she notes, emphasizing the orchestrated nature of Jane’s rise.

Public Reaction and Mary Tudor’s Challenge

Upon Jane’s declaration as queen at just 16 years old, the public reaction was unsurprisingly muted. Maddie observes, “There was no sense of jubilation that you normally get with the arrival of a new monarch” (11:59). The tide swiftly turned with the emergence of Mary Tudor, Henry VIII’s eldest daughter, who asserted her rightful claim. Dr. Borman states, “Mary Tudor, this really is her finest hour because she knows that the crown is hers by right and she is prepared to fight for it” (24:32).

The Downfall: Wyatt Rebellion and Betrayal

The episode explores the pivotal Wyatt Rebellion led by Thomas Wyatt, which ultimately led to Jane’s downfall. The rebellion’s critical blow came when Jane’s own father joined the uprising, forcing her hand towards execution. Dr. Borman expresses deep sympathy, noting, “You feel an awful lot of sympathy for this 15-year-old boy, really” (15:28), referring to Edward VI’s untimely death and its consequences.

Imprisonment and Execution

Jane’s transition from queen to prisoner is portrayed with heart-wrenching clarity. Anthony describes her dignified yet tragic confinement within the Tower of London. Dr. Borman emphasizes Jane’s unwavering piety and resilience, stating, “She remains resigned, resolute” (32:18). Jane’s execution is further depicted through Delaroche’s painting, capturing her final moments with poignant accuracy. Dr. Borman explains, “It's probably the lieutenant of the Tower, a man called Bridges, who guides Jane's hands to the block so that then she can lower her head and wait for death” (43:00).

The Personal Toll: Jane and Guildford

The relationship between Jane and her husband, Guildford Dudley, is examined with depth. Contrary to popular romanticized notions, Dr. Borman clarifies, “Jane utterly refused to make Guildford king” (35:22). Their mutual tragedy culminates in Jane’s poignant request for Guildford’s headless body to be brought past her window, symbolizing the complete devastation of her personal life amidst political turmoil.

Legacy and Speculation: What If Jane Had Ruled?

In a thought-provoking segment, Anthony encourages speculative discussion on what England might have lost with Jane’s brief reign. Dr. Borman contemplates, “I actually think she would have been a very good queen. She had the makings of a very just queen, certainly a pious queen” (39:27). She muses that Jane’s potential for fostering Protestantism could have significantly altered England’s religious landscape, though she also underscores the tragic nature of her premature demise.

The Painting’s Accuracy and Emotional Impact

Returning to the artistic representation, Dr. Borman assesses Delaroche’s painting as one of the more accurate historical depictions. She affirms, “I think it does, actually, yes,” highlighting how the artwork encapsulates Jane’s courage and sorrow during her execution (41:08). The painting not only immortalizes Jane’s final moments but also serves as a powerful reminder of her tragic fate.

Conclusion: Reframing Lady Jane Grey’s Legacy

The episode concludes with a compelling call to reframe Jane’s legacy. Dr. Borman advocates for acknowledging her rightful status as queen, stating, “We refer to her henceforth as Queen Jane, Lady Jane Grey” (43:43). Anthony and Maddie echo this sentiment, emphasizing the need to honor her as a tragic yet noble figure in Tudor history.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Tracy Borman [05:34]: “Edward diverts the succession away from his sisters and towards Lady Jane and her heirs.”

• Dr. Tracy Borman [09:11]: “John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, has kind of lined all of this up.”

• Maddie [11:59]: “There was no sense of jubilation that you normally get with the arrival of a new monarch.”

• Dr. Tracy Borman [24:32]: “Mary Tudor, this really is her finest hour because she knows that the crown is hers by right and she is prepared to fight for it.”

• Dr. Tracy Borman [35:22]: “Jane utterly refused to make Guildford king.”

• Dr. Tracy Borman [39:27]: “I actually think she would have been a very good queen. She had the makings of a very just queen, certainly a pious queen.”

• Dr. Tracy Borman [43:43]: “We refer to her henceforth as Queen Jane, Lady Jane Grey.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal offers a profound exploration of Lady Jane Grey’s life and legacy, shedding light on a historical figure often overshadowed by her Tudor contemporaries. Through engaging dialogue and expert insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Jane’s tragic brief reign and the enduring impact of her story on English history.