Lady Jane Grey: Nine Day Queen of England

by Faith Cook

Lady Jane Grey has often been called the 'Tudor Pawn' but to see her as one whose life was simply moved around by others is totally inadequate. This is no simplistic life and death of a sixteen-year-old girl. In order to understand the full tragedy and triumph of her life it is vital to grasp the far-reaching political and religious changes that were shaking England at that time. The Reformation touched the whole population; from palace to university; from emerging town to peasant cottage. Like the pieces of a jigsaw, the pieces come together to give a picture of a girl with outstanding natural abilities, whose strength of character and remarkable faith shine out despite the darkness that often surrounded her. Execution at age 16, Jane paid an awful price for a throne she did not seek.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Christian, Historical, Church History, Tudor Period

282 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Faith Cook was born in China, the daughter of OMF missionaries, and now lives in Derbyshire. She is married to Paul, who served as a pastor in churches in Northallerton, Shepshed and Hull. They have five children and ten grandchildren. She is also the author of Lives Turned Upside Down, The Nine-Day Queen of England, Our Hymn-writers and their Hymns, Seeing the Invisible and Under the Scaffold.

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Lady Jane Grey is a story of political ambition, betrayal, manipulation, and religious conflict, but it is also the story of deep faith and forgiveness.
Because it really is impossible to understand Lady Jane without understanding her times and the forces battling for the throne around her, much of this book is devoted to explaining the politics of Tudor England. You will learn as much about the Duke of Northumberland, the Seymour brothers, and King Edward VI and their ambitious use of her as you will about Lady Jane. It doesn’t get too bogged down in all the details of the plots and counterplots that constantly surrounded her. Instead, it is a fast-paced almost novel-like overview of her life and times.
Most of the book discusses the temporal struggles of her life, but it wouldn’t be complete without a discussion of her faith. For without the latter she need not have died. If she had abandoned her deep Protestant faith, Mary would have pardoned her life, in spite of her tenuous claim to the throne. So while she was placed in danger of execution by the plots of others, she died because she refused to renounce salvation by faith in Christ alone.
The author explains a little about the different ways that she has been presented down through history. Then she does her best to present a true picture of her actual character.
It was truly inspiring to learn of her deep love of the Savior and understanding of the Scriptures. I would recommend this book to every Christian woman. She surely faced severe temptations, but in the end, came away more victorious than the Queen who ordered her death. It really refocuses you on what is eternally important.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving story of Lady Jane Grey, the young protestant Christian queen of England, who was martyred at the age of sixteen. It really made me realize how little I have to complain about, and contemplate whether or not I had the strength and faith to die for Jesus Christ like she so courageously did.

[Natalie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite of all the books I have ever read. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. A martyr of the Christian Faith Lady Jane Grey was faithful even unto death. She clung to her faith and did not waiver even if she was to be beheaded. How evil the old religion was and the power hungry individuals who sought the crown at any cost. Lady Jane was not to be pitied because she was heading toward her ultimate goal which was her savior Jesus. Those to be pitied were the ones among her who's hearts were dark and full of man made religion and sending innocent men and woman to their martyrdom. The Reformation is one of the most important places in history. One that I will now study more fervently than I have ever had before because I want to know what it means to have a strong faith even if it means I will die for it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith Cook has basically stolen my dream job - a Christian historian, writing about the fabulously faithful of the past.

This was well-researched, and felt new and astonishing even for some who spent her undergrad trudging through Tudor history. Downsides: Cook takes Foxe’s Book of Martyrs a bit too much at face value, and she’s mean about Mary (telling us how ugly and sour she was), purely because she was Catholic.

LJG had pretty remarkable poise for a 16-year-old married off by opportunistic politicians, thrust onto the throne and publicly challenged on her evangelical faith by the leading Catholic debater of the day. 16-year-old me would have crumbled.

The best bit is when we get Jane’s own words in the appendix: her letter to her sister, and the desperate prayer she wrote when facing death.

Side note: I hadn’t realised that Delaeoche’s famous painting in the National Gallery is semi-true. She really did cry, “What shall I do? Where is the block?” at the place of execution, stumbling blindfolded with no-one to help her place her neck.

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was a bit brief, but then Lady Jane did only rule for nine days, so maybe it's understandable. Her story is a tragic one and certainly moved me. She definitely didn't deserve her fate.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy historical non-fiction. This book is no exception other than it's fact list type of writing. I'm waiting for it to develop into an easier read. Right now I am eating fact after fact that isn't adsorbing the way I would like.

[KateP · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biography of Lady Jane Grey is both sorrowful yet hopeful, brutal yet beautiful and she was weak yet fiercely faithful. I didn’t know much about Jane until I saw this book advertised, and was blown away by her story that Faith Cook deftly weaves; summarising historical info and selecting the best snippets/quotations from sources.

Lady Jane seemed to grow up quite isolated and friendless, but was a massively intelligent girl who had a fervent faith in Jesus. Most remarkable was that she stood firm in her beliefs even when facing execution, and when publicly interviewed in front of prominent Catholic men much older than her. She was so young to die at 16 and the way her execution is told makes me grieve someone as innocent and clever as her facing a merciless end. However, her recorded words show how she submitted her life and even her death to God. Also amazing were her father’s last words - her father who had used Jane as a pawn for his own success - seemed to learn from Jane by the time he faced his own death and had turned to Christ.

I was fascinated by this Tudor history, and although Jane’s death was chilling, it is still an encouraging read to hear about a young woman so steadfast and true to Jesus. Decided to give 4 stars rather than 5 only because it feels light for a historical biography, but deeply moving all the same and recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated by this period in English history -- the reign of the Tudors. Henry VIII brought both political and religious upheaval to the country, creating a court of intrigue, distrust, and power struggles. Caught in the middle of all of this conflict was Lady Jane Grey, who was just 15 when she came to the crown without her desire or knowledge. For someone so young, she exhibited a level of spiritual maturity which surely helped her through these trying times. The book is heavy on setting the background stage for her ascension, especially the religious climate of the country at that time and the deadly conflicts between the Catholics and Protestants of England.

[Sarah Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Jane Dudley ( nee. Grey) is one of the most interesting figures in Tudor history. With her quick ascension to the throne and untimely execution. Not only is she widely known as the nine day Queen ( disputed to be actually thirteen by some historians), but what isn’t so well perceived is that Jane was incredibly astute and courageous during her short life on earth. This biography of her is perceptive and digs deep into Jane’s character. We are keen to learn who she was and how she lived and felt.

Though she later became a young victim of the machinations of men in her life, Jane was educated and strong willed. Shrewd and serious. She really was something to behold. I really got the sense that she could hold her own despite the awful circumstances of her family and reign. It is terribly sad that a girl of seventeen could be duped into accepting the crown upon her cousin Edward’s death. This was conducive to her barbaric death.

There is a real sense of Jane in this book. Somehow you can’t help but connect to her on such a spiritual level. You are on a journey with her until her death. It felt like gaining a friend even though she is long gone.

[Rachel Alenius]

Takeaways:

- Deeper appreciation and respect for the men and women who brought about and paid the ultimate price in the reformation.

- The political and societal climate; and how quickly it changes, revealed those with true conviction of faith and those who were just playing along just to be politically correct. Jane was definitely with the former.

- Love Jane, who I have etched now in my mind as among part of that great cloud of witnesses. So bold and sharp.

- “Live still to die, that you by death may purchase eternal life.” -Lady Jane Grey

[Carolyn Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good biography of my absolute favorite royal: the tragic Lady Jane. Used as a pawn in her parents' schemes for power, she was manipulated into a throne she never aspired to and a marriage she never wanted. Along with her head, these were cut off after she was convicted of treason after only nine days as queen. She had a reputation as one of the most learned women in England, and died bravely and well. I wouldn't be surprised if I named one of my children after her.

[Joanna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book I’ve read in 2023. A challenging account of a young women who was queen for 9 days in which she was gruesomely betrayed by her family and ‘friends’ leading her to be sentenced to execution. The only way out was to convert to Catholicism but through her strength in knowledge of the truth of the Gospel of Grace she stood firm in truth. She stood up to royals and priests and yet through it all remained humble pointing all the glory to the true king - Jesus Christ.

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book on Lady Jane Grey that I have read and I found this one to be a little bit more detailed and well-laid out than the first. This one tracked Jane's life from childhood (what little is known) through the end. I found it covered her religious outlook in a more meaningful way than the other title I read.

This was an easy read and helped hammer home why Lady Jane Grey is such an interesting and important character in history.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical account of Lady Jane Grey, a martyr of the Christian faith. It is written so engagingly it reads like a novel. Lady Jane had incredible poise, wisdom, and maturity for a teenager. What an incredible testimony of faith. Recommended!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite people in history, she remained humble in character and faithful to her God, in spite of being wrongfully used and accused by others for theor own personal ambitions, including her own parents.

[Lisa Brantly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - cause I'm assuming it is YA. (if it's not YA, then only 2 stars. Admittedly, I might have had too high expectations.)

[Kelly Hohenstern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story

Well researched and engaging. Covering a sad period in history since Lady Jane was a victim of circumstances and power plots.

[Christian Moose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love my girl. A baller.

[Johanna ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If justice destroys this body, divine mercy will have compassion on my soul. Death will give pain to my body for its sins, but the soul will be justified before God." - Lady Jane Grey

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An encouraging and inspire accounts of a intelligent, smart, strong and faithful young lady with a zeal for her Lord despite the evil plots of others. It gave a wonderful account of many of the detail surrounding the efforts of the godly men and women the Lord used to farther the reformation. Lady Jane Grey had no other ambitions in life other than to advance the gospel. Despite the hardships of being unloved, by her parents and those close to her, the Lord brought increasingly godly men to teach and encourage her to remain strong and even more amazing at such a young age. Sadly she did not live out her full life span. She understood she was an vessel of the Lords and He had determined her days. Her testimony has inspired Christians for hundreds of years and still continues to teach us how to stand for the truth of our Savior, how simple acts of obedience can do wonders for the Kingdom of God.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can get past the intrigue in the beginning of this book, you will be challenged by one remarkable lady. God certainly opened up her understanding! I am amazed that she understood love at all.(unashamed power struggles were all around her) For her to love God, to believe He loved her,and to display such willing devotion, is a miracle. (true for her, true for any believer) She died for her convictions and I would like to memorize her defence of the gospel! (found in the back of the book) In reality, she is no marvel, in and of herself. Her Savior is the marvellous one! This account is convincing. The Savior is able to keep His own, to deliver them from error, and bring their souls safely home.

[Phil Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and very readable account of the life of Lady Jane Grey, the nine day Queen of England, alongside the lives of Henry VIII and Queen Mary and other events within the 16th century. Above all it shows how Lady Jane Grey kept her Christian faith, and her profound conviction that 'faith only saveth' (only faith in Christ saves us) until the very end, despite the pressure to renounce such beliefs which would have saved her from a brutal and horrific execution. This is an excellent book which I would recommend very highly.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith Cook has written a fabulous book on the short and yet passionate God glorifying life of Lady Jane Gray. I enjoyed it immensely and found it very stirring and convicting. To have such faith and confidence in the grace of God at the tender age of 16 and remaining steadfast unto death is powerful. An excellent read into the history of Tudor England, the depravity of man in his fight for power, and the mercy of God that used these tragic years to set the blaze for the Reformation. Can't wait to read another biography from Faith Cook's pen.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Amazing to read of such a young girl with such convictions. She faced the ultimate betrayal and in the face of death stood firm in her love and devotion to the Lord. It was beautifully written giving a full picture of the Tudor family and a close look at the spiritual battle some of the men and women faced during the reformation. This book was easy to read!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The remarkable story of an adolescent girl whom others sought to play like a pawn in England's royal games, but who was so utterly owned by Christ that she would not renounce her faith even upon the pain of death. A good refresher for some of your British history; an even better reviver of your relationship to Christ.

[Shelbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While my taste for biographies could stand to improve (and I would then enjoy this book even more), I can find no fault with the way this book was written. The author gave enough background information to give the reader a good understanding of England's political climate in the days before Lady Jane Grey was martyred for her Protestant Christian faith. A well-researched, history-rich read!

[Keri Folmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It gave me a better understanding of the politics and history of the Reformation and a great respect for Lady Jane Grey. She was wise beyond her years and died rather than renounce salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. What an example! I'm giving this to my daughters to read.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read about a tragic figure who suffered martyrdom at the hands of "Bloody Mary." Faith Cook is a great writer, and brings this period of history to life in a very readable way. Recommended!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Truly a fascinating and inspiring, though sad, story! There's so much more to it than the brief paragraph or two in your typical history text! The intellect and character shown by such a young girl is really remarkable.

[Catherine Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent story opening up the whole period of Tudor England and the accompanying Reformation. Faith Cook makes history interesting as she includes information you won't find in your schoolbooks. These young royalists were brave followers of Jesus.