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Lady Katherine Grey: A Dynastic Tragedy
'I have always abhorred to draw in question the title of the crown, so many disputes have been already touching it in the mouths of men . . . so long as I live, I shall be queen of England; when I am dead, they shall succeed that has most right.' – ELIZABETH I
When Elizabeth I died in 1603, James VI of Scotland – son of the executed Mary, Queen of Scots – succeeded her as king of England. According to the last will and testament of Henry VIII, however, there was another candidate with 'most right' to succeed Edward Seymour, son of Lady Katherine Grey.
During the early years of Elizabeth's reign, Katherine – sister of the ill-fated Jane – was regarded by many at court as heir presumptive. However, Katherine incurred Elizabeth's lasting displeasure when she secretly married Edward Seymour, earl of Hertford, and bore him two sons. The couple were first imprisoned in the Tower of London, then later separately placed under house arrest, never to see one another again. A commission declared their marriage unlawful and their sons illegitimate. Heartbroken, Katherine died at the age of 27.
Katherine was not simply a tragic figure, but a leading candidate to succeed Elizabeth and thus a figure of national and international significance. In Lady Katherine Grey, her dynastic importance is brought to the forefront.
When Elizabeth I died in 1603, James VI of Scotland – son of the executed Mary, Queen of Scots – succeeded her as king of England. According to the last will and testament of Henry VIII, however, there was another candidate with 'most right' to succeed Edward Seymour, son of Lady Katherine Grey.
During the early years of Elizabeth's reign, Katherine – sister of the ill-fated Jane – was regarded by many at court as heir presumptive. However, Katherine incurred Elizabeth's lasting displeasure when she secretly married Edward Seymour, earl of Hertford, and bore him two sons. The couple were first imprisoned in the Tower of London, then later separately placed under house arrest, never to see one another again. A commission declared their marriage unlawful and their sons illegitimate. Heartbroken, Katherine died at the age of 27.
Katherine was not simply a tragic figure, but a leading candidate to succeed Elizabeth and thus a figure of national and international significance. In Lady Katherine Grey, her dynastic importance is brought to the forefront.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 27, 2023
When considering the contenders that followed or challenged the throne in which Queen Elizabeth I sat upon, many naturally turned to the turmoil with Mary Queen of Scots, the dramatic Armada with Spain or the eventual succession with James VI of Scotland.
However, there was another that, at the time, was considered the "rightful" candidate to Elizabeth's throne. This was Lady Katherine Grey. As granddaughter of Mary Tudor (later Brandon), and younger sister of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, Katherine was often considered as the natural successor during Elizabeth's early reign. Her life was to be no less tragic than that of her elder sister, Jane.
Conor Byrne was an author I was familiar with prior to reading this book. Having read "Katherine Howard: A New History" and finding his theories utterly fascinating, I was beyond keen to grab a hold of this latest publication. I was not disappointed.
Byrne has a masterful way of fully immersing the reader into the time period so that you feel as though you are a first person witness to what is occurring.
As with his previous work, what I truly appreciate is the unceasing motive to have Katherine remain in the forefront. Women in history can often become overshadowed by the events that surrounded them or their male counterparts, but this sole focus here is Katherine (as it should be) and her most tragic life.
Impeccably researched yet suitable for the seasoned Tudor enthusiast or those starting out their Tudor journey, this book deserves to be shown proudly on bookshelves everywhere.
My greatest thanks to @thehistorypressuk for sending me this outstanding book to review.
However, there was another that, at the time, was considered the "rightful" candidate to Elizabeth's throne. This was Lady Katherine Grey. As granddaughter of Mary Tudor (later Brandon), and younger sister of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, Katherine was often considered as the natural successor during Elizabeth's early reign. Her life was to be no less tragic than that of her elder sister, Jane.
Conor Byrne was an author I was familiar with prior to reading this book. Having read "Katherine Howard: A New History" and finding his theories utterly fascinating, I was beyond keen to grab a hold of this latest publication. I was not disappointed.
Byrne has a masterful way of fully immersing the reader into the time period so that you feel as though you are a first person witness to what is occurring.
As with his previous work, what I truly appreciate is the unceasing motive to have Katherine remain in the forefront. Women in history can often become overshadowed by the events that surrounded them or their male counterparts, but this sole focus here is Katherine (as it should be) and her most tragic life.
Impeccably researched yet suitable for the seasoned Tudor enthusiast or those starting out their Tudor journey, this book deserves to be shown proudly on bookshelves everywhere.
My greatest thanks to @thehistorypressuk for sending me this outstanding book to review.
October 31, 2023
I’ve always been fascinated by Lady Jane Grey this was a good read throughly enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews