20 April 2023

Lady Mary Grey: The Unfortunate Sister of a Queen

Died this day, 1578, 445 years ago.


Lady Mary Grey's life was one filled with tragedy and misfortune. Born on October 18, 1545, Mary was the youngest daughter of Henry Grey, the Duke of Suffolk, and his wife, Frances Brandon. Despite being born into nobility, Mary's life was marked by illness and weakness, and she was often overlooked by her family due to her fragile health. However, Lady Mary Grey's life took a dramatic turn when her older sister, Lady Jane Grey, was proclaimed Queen of England for nine days in 1553. With Jane's execution, Mary became next in line to the throne, but her claim was never recognized by Queen Mary I, her cousin and the daughter of King Henry VIII. Lady Mary's life turned dark as she was imprisoned in the Tower of London for secretly marrying a man below her social rank. Her husband, Thomas Keyes, was also detained, and the couple endured harsh living conditions and separation. Mary's health deteriorated even further during her imprisonment; she died at 33. Lady Mary Grey's tragic life serves as a reminder of the cruelty and uncertainty of royal politics and the price paid by those caught in the middle of it all.

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