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Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey
"Good people, I am come hither to die, and by a law I am condemned to the same.” These were the heartbreaking words of a seventeen-year-old girl, Lady Jane Grey, as she stood on the scaffold awaiting death on a cold February morning in 1554. Minutes later her head was struck from her body with a single stroke of a heavy axe. Her death for high treason sent shockwaves through the Tudor world, and served as a gruesome reminder to all who aspired to a crown that the axe could fall at any time.
Jane is known to history as "the Nine Days Queen," but her reign lasted, in fact, for thirteen days. The human and emotional aspects of her story have often been ignored, although she is remembered as one of the Tudor Era’s most tragic victims. While this is doubtlessly true, it is only part of the complex jigsaw of Jane’s story. She was a remarkable individual with a charismatic personality who earned the admiration and affection of many of those who knew her. All were impressed by her wit, passion, intelligence, and determined spirit. Furthermore, the recent trend of trying to highlight her achievements and her religious faith has, in fact, further obscured the real Jane, a young religious radical who saw herself as an advocate of the reformed faith—Protestantism—and ultimately became a martyr for it.
Crown of Blood is an important and significant retelling of an often-misunderstood tale: set at the time of Jane’s downfall and following her journey through to her trial and execution, each chapter moves between the past and the “present,” using a rich abundance of primary source material (some of which has never been published) in order to paint a vivid picture of Jane’s short and turbulent life. This dramatic narrative traces the dangerous plots and web of deadly intrigue in which Jane became involuntarily tangled—and which ultimately led to a shocking and catastrophic conclusion.
Jane is known to history as "the Nine Days Queen," but her reign lasted, in fact, for thirteen days. The human and emotional aspects of her story have often been ignored, although she is remembered as one of the Tudor Era’s most tragic victims. While this is doubtlessly true, it is only part of the complex jigsaw of Jane’s story. She was a remarkable individual with a charismatic personality who earned the admiration and affection of many of those who knew her. All were impressed by her wit, passion, intelligence, and determined spirit. Furthermore, the recent trend of trying to highlight her achievements and her religious faith has, in fact, further obscured the real Jane, a young religious radical who saw herself as an advocate of the reformed faith—Protestantism—and ultimately became a martyr for it.
Crown of Blood is an important and significant retelling of an often-misunderstood tale: set at the time of Jane’s downfall and following her journey through to her trial and execution, each chapter moves between the past and the “present,” using a rich abundance of primary source material (some of which has never been published) in order to paint a vivid picture of Jane’s short and turbulent life. This dramatic narrative traces the dangerous plots and web of deadly intrigue in which Jane became involuntarily tangled—and which ultimately led to a shocking and catastrophic conclusion.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
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February 7, 2017
Jane Grey will forever be immortalized as the “Nine Days Queen” (it was actually 13) having ‘usurped’ the crown from Mary Tudor before Mary decided she had enough of that and snatched it off Jane’s head (figuratively). This tragic young lady, beheaded for her role at age 17, was more than just a martyr: she had poise, intelligence, decorum, and religious fortitude. Nicola Tallis, the resident historian of the Alison Weir Tours (which should hint at Tallis’s writing style); brings Jane’s life to the limelight in, “Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Jane Grey”.
Tallis kicks off “Crown of Blood” by exploring the Tudor blood lines and environment surrounding the birth and childhood of Jane Grey. This is an introspective start that is great for those not familiar with the topic but it does seem that Jane is instantly bypassed when she is supposed to be the star of the text. This is also solidified by Tallis venturing off on tangents not truly discussing Jane until several chapters in.
Despite this initial “Where is Jane?”- moment; Tallis immediately intrigues the reader with both her clear abundance of information (which, again, is great for those new to the topic) and her writing style which is lovely and descriptive but professional. Tallis has strong writing skills that stick out with “Crown of Blood” being her first foray into the publishing world but also among some of the history books from her peers, in general. There are some speculative statements rife with “could have” and “should have” jargon but these are not overwhelmingly so and therefore, do not weaken the text as a whole.
The major issue with “Crown of Blood” is that there is no new information. The pages consist of everything about Jane and her life that readers will already be familiar with many times over and thus, “Crown of Blood” simply recaps the information. To remedy this, there are occasional moments when Tallis attempts to debunk myths or rumors and break down facts with strong research and sleuth work. Tallis infuses “Crown of Blood” with primary sourced-document block quotes and direct quotes from figures in the text. This strengthens the credibility of “Crown of Blood” and gives a revealing look into the historical matter.
As expected, the pace heightens when Jane gains the crown…and loses it. Tallis tells the events with bravado both informing the reader of the history while also providing entertainment. Although new facts are STILL not uncovered; “Crown of Blood” explores the incident well with a strong voice and firm research. On the other (negative) hand, at this point, Tallis puts too much of an emphasis on what Jane felt and thought without any source material backing these statements. It can be said that “Crown of Blood” is too much like a HF novel, in some ways.
Despite Tallis’s speculative tone; she also reveals Grey as formidable, bold, courageous, and mature for her age shedding new light on Jane for those who merely viewed her as a pawn-victim. In fact, “Crown of Blood” makes her too saintly and it is obvious where Tallis’s biases lay.
The concluding chapters of “Crown of Blood” have a strong impact with a detailed retelling of Wyatt’s Rebellion and an emotional rehashing of Jane’s death. This is followed by a look into the social/pop history impact of Jane Grey plus the aftermath on her close family bring the text together in a homogeneous and memorable way.
“Crown of Blood” includes compelling appendices discussing portraits (or lack there) of Jane, her final theological debate before execution, and a list of places to visit in England to walk in her footsteps. These are not only unique but useful to the reader. This is also supplemented by a well-annotated notes section and a bibliography. These are gold mines for the readers and not to be skipped over!
Tallis’s first history writing is quite remarkable as it stands on firms legs with its approach, writing style, and credibility. Yes, there isn’t any new information surrounding Jane (and tangents ensue); but, even despite this, the text is strong and perfect for a new reader to the topic and is a great refresher for those already well-versed. “Crown of Blood” isn’t perfect and is certainly similar to Alison Weir’s works (so, not suggested for those anti-Weir readers) but it is certainly recommended for those interested in Jane Grey and the Tudor period. Basically: it is good for what it is and meets its purpose.
Tallis kicks off “Crown of Blood” by exploring the Tudor blood lines and environment surrounding the birth and childhood of Jane Grey. This is an introspective start that is great for those not familiar with the topic but it does seem that Jane is instantly bypassed when she is supposed to be the star of the text. This is also solidified by Tallis venturing off on tangents not truly discussing Jane until several chapters in.
Despite this initial “Where is Jane?”- moment; Tallis immediately intrigues the reader with both her clear abundance of information (which, again, is great for those new to the topic) and her writing style which is lovely and descriptive but professional. Tallis has strong writing skills that stick out with “Crown of Blood” being her first foray into the publishing world but also among some of the history books from her peers, in general. There are some speculative statements rife with “could have” and “should have” jargon but these are not overwhelmingly so and therefore, do not weaken the text as a whole.
The major issue with “Crown of Blood” is that there is no new information. The pages consist of everything about Jane and her life that readers will already be familiar with many times over and thus, “Crown of Blood” simply recaps the information. To remedy this, there are occasional moments when Tallis attempts to debunk myths or rumors and break down facts with strong research and sleuth work. Tallis infuses “Crown of Blood” with primary sourced-document block quotes and direct quotes from figures in the text. This strengthens the credibility of “Crown of Blood” and gives a revealing look into the historical matter.
As expected, the pace heightens when Jane gains the crown…and loses it. Tallis tells the events with bravado both informing the reader of the history while also providing entertainment. Although new facts are STILL not uncovered; “Crown of Blood” explores the incident well with a strong voice and firm research. On the other (negative) hand, at this point, Tallis puts too much of an emphasis on what Jane felt and thought without any source material backing these statements. It can be said that “Crown of Blood” is too much like a HF novel, in some ways.
Despite Tallis’s speculative tone; she also reveals Grey as formidable, bold, courageous, and mature for her age shedding new light on Jane for those who merely viewed her as a pawn-victim. In fact, “Crown of Blood” makes her too saintly and it is obvious where Tallis’s biases lay.
The concluding chapters of “Crown of Blood” have a strong impact with a detailed retelling of Wyatt’s Rebellion and an emotional rehashing of Jane’s death. This is followed by a look into the social/pop history impact of Jane Grey plus the aftermath on her close family bring the text together in a homogeneous and memorable way.
“Crown of Blood” includes compelling appendices discussing portraits (or lack there) of Jane, her final theological debate before execution, and a list of places to visit in England to walk in her footsteps. These are not only unique but useful to the reader. This is also supplemented by a well-annotated notes section and a bibliography. These are gold mines for the readers and not to be skipped over!
Tallis’s first history writing is quite remarkable as it stands on firms legs with its approach, writing style, and credibility. Yes, there isn’t any new information surrounding Jane (and tangents ensue); but, even despite this, the text is strong and perfect for a new reader to the topic and is a great refresher for those already well-versed. “Crown of Blood” isn’t perfect and is certainly similar to Alison Weir’s works (so, not suggested for those anti-Weir readers) but it is certainly recommended for those interested in Jane Grey and the Tudor period. Basically: it is good for what it is and meets its purpose.
April 1, 2019
Lady Jane Grey was a courageous 17 year-old young woman who died for her beliefs and through other's own personal greed and ambition.
In February 1554, she was beheaded at the Tower of London for being a falsely styled queen. She was imprisoned, tired and finally executed on the orders of her cousin, Queen Mary, who became England's rightful and all powerful monarch just days after Jane had been received as queen at the Tower of London in July 1553.
Nicola Tallis's book on this brief but highly influential period in England's history between regal and religious struggle, is a pleasure to read. It is also significant that it provides considerable detail on Jane, her family and the conditions that lead to her death.
Over twenty-four chapters with also an introduction, prologue, epilogue and appendices the story of this intelligent, brave, principled and well-placed young girl is discussed and brought to life. Here we see not just Jane and her family - the well positioned Grey's of Lincolnshire titled as the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk - placed in the changing times of mid-sixteenth century England, but how those changes drive personal religious beliefs as well as political allegiances and alliances as well as exposing basic human flaws and errors that lead to Jane's placing on the throne of England and her subsequent death.
The early scene setting with Henry VIII's death and the elevation of Edward VI to the throne is captured well. We see the young king take hold of his kingdom and start to develop further the protestant beliefs and movement started, but then slowed by his father. Edward's reign is short; cut short by illness and death but we see and are told of the connection with Jane and his half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth. We are shown how Edward decides upon Jane as his heir and how this builds greater intrigue and some worry with the courtiers. Most notably we see how the powerful and experienced John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland reacts and works.
It is Northumberland that schemes and wraps Jane's father and mother - Henry and Frances - into this web that reels them and the unsuspecting Jane into the plot. Jane's parents are not the people that treat her badly as shown in films and historical plays and books. It is much more complex. The family is loving and Jane's childhood is happy and one of learning, study and religion - the family are strongly protestant, but Frances was herself the daughter of Mary Tudor, Queen of France, and had royal blood and a maternal connection to her grandfather Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty.
It is this connection that drives Northumberland as he works to marry his son Guildford to Jane. The Dudley's are a strong, well-connected and very rich family but they are not royal. Marrying Guildford to Jane will make them royal and in an age of prior to Queen Regnant this means Guildford as king in Northumberland's eyes.
Jane's father is taken in and joins the plan and supports Northumberland. It is this support and countenance that will deliver Jane into the jaws of the scheming and dangerous world of the royal courts. On Edward's death in 1553, it is not Mary who is proclaimed queen but Lady Jane Grey; joined at her side by Guildford Dudley.
From here the story moves quickly with intrigue, proclamation, muted responses from London citizens and a considerable and loud rejection by Jane's cousin Mary.
Northumberland moves, but is unsuccessful and just nine days after her being received as queen Jane is imprisoned and announced as Jana Non Regina. Trial, incarceration and religious belief now take Jane deeper into trouble. There is hope but her circumstances and her father's conduct do not help. Northumberland is executed too.
The final chapters of this book, in good detail and pace, see Jane in the Tower and we read of others with hopes or agendas to destroy or rescue her. Throughout though Jane's courage and understanding of the circumstances she is placed in are signally shown.
She is in truth a very young girl; just seventeen. Highly Intelligent, principled and talented but she is terribly used, fated (now today perhaps she should be feted?) and treated as a political, religious and royal pawn. Not a powerful piece like the queen but a lowly expendable piece unable to move or take control of her circumstances.
It is also interesting to learn that there is no single authenticated likeness of Jane in existence and so we are left with later paintings. This in itself is for me a tragedy. A young girl who had she lived would have played an interesting part as queen or courtier.
I'm intrigued at had she stayed on the thrown what would that have meant for the country? No doubt religious persecution would have continued but perhaps without Mary's involvement and the protestant name Bloody Mary. Perhaps no Queen Elizabeth, and of course would the civil war have come, or perhaps it would have been earlier had Jane ruled? What children would Jane and Guildford have had, and how would they have reigned? Would Robert Dudley, Guildford's brother, have actually married Elizabeth if she had not been queen later?
Regardless of the What-ifs, the story of Jane as queen is brief but the lead-up and the events after are a tumultuous yet fascinating period of the Tudors, and this book by Nicola Tallis is a great way to meet Jane and read of her short, tragic life.
In February 1554, she was beheaded at the Tower of London for being a falsely styled queen. She was imprisoned, tired and finally executed on the orders of her cousin, Queen Mary, who became England's rightful and all powerful monarch just days after Jane had been received as queen at the Tower of London in July 1553.
Nicola Tallis's book on this brief but highly influential period in England's history between regal and religious struggle, is a pleasure to read. It is also significant that it provides considerable detail on Jane, her family and the conditions that lead to her death.
Over twenty-four chapters with also an introduction, prologue, epilogue and appendices the story of this intelligent, brave, principled and well-placed young girl is discussed and brought to life. Here we see not just Jane and her family - the well positioned Grey's of Lincolnshire titled as the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk - placed in the changing times of mid-sixteenth century England, but how those changes drive personal religious beliefs as well as political allegiances and alliances as well as exposing basic human flaws and errors that lead to Jane's placing on the throne of England and her subsequent death.
The early scene setting with Henry VIII's death and the elevation of Edward VI to the throne is captured well. We see the young king take hold of his kingdom and start to develop further the protestant beliefs and movement started, but then slowed by his father. Edward's reign is short; cut short by illness and death but we see and are told of the connection with Jane and his half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth. We are shown how Edward decides upon Jane as his heir and how this builds greater intrigue and some worry with the courtiers. Most notably we see how the powerful and experienced John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland reacts and works.
It is Northumberland that schemes and wraps Jane's father and mother - Henry and Frances - into this web that reels them and the unsuspecting Jane into the plot. Jane's parents are not the people that treat her badly as shown in films and historical plays and books. It is much more complex. The family is loving and Jane's childhood is happy and one of learning, study and religion - the family are strongly protestant, but Frances was herself the daughter of Mary Tudor, Queen of France, and had royal blood and a maternal connection to her grandfather Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty.
It is this connection that drives Northumberland as he works to marry his son Guildford to Jane. The Dudley's are a strong, well-connected and very rich family but they are not royal. Marrying Guildford to Jane will make them royal and in an age of prior to Queen Regnant this means Guildford as king in Northumberland's eyes.
Jane's father is taken in and joins the plan and supports Northumberland. It is this support and countenance that will deliver Jane into the jaws of the scheming and dangerous world of the royal courts. On Edward's death in 1553, it is not Mary who is proclaimed queen but Lady Jane Grey; joined at her side by Guildford Dudley.
From here the story moves quickly with intrigue, proclamation, muted responses from London citizens and a considerable and loud rejection by Jane's cousin Mary.
Northumberland moves, but is unsuccessful and just nine days after her being received as queen Jane is imprisoned and announced as Jana Non Regina. Trial, incarceration and religious belief now take Jane deeper into trouble. There is hope but her circumstances and her father's conduct do not help. Northumberland is executed too.
The final chapters of this book, in good detail and pace, see Jane in the Tower and we read of others with hopes or agendas to destroy or rescue her. Throughout though Jane's courage and understanding of the circumstances she is placed in are signally shown.
She is in truth a very young girl; just seventeen. Highly Intelligent, principled and talented but she is terribly used, fated (now today perhaps she should be feted?) and treated as a political, religious and royal pawn. Not a powerful piece like the queen but a lowly expendable piece unable to move or take control of her circumstances.
It is also interesting to learn that there is no single authenticated likeness of Jane in existence and so we are left with later paintings. This in itself is for me a tragedy. A young girl who had she lived would have played an interesting part as queen or courtier.
I'm intrigued at had she stayed on the thrown what would that have meant for the country? No doubt religious persecution would have continued but perhaps without Mary's involvement and the protestant name Bloody Mary. Perhaps no Queen Elizabeth, and of course would the civil war have come, or perhaps it would have been earlier had Jane ruled? What children would Jane and Guildford have had, and how would they have reigned? Would Robert Dudley, Guildford's brother, have actually married Elizabeth if she had not been queen later?
Regardless of the What-ifs, the story of Jane as queen is brief but the lead-up and the events after are a tumultuous yet fascinating period of the Tudors, and this book by Nicola Tallis is a great way to meet Jane and read of her short, tragic life.
June 27, 2017
I admit I knew little of the story and history of Lady Jane Grey, and much of my knowledge of that time period I gained through watching the TV show "Reign". Lady Jane was a girl of high intelect, virtue and piety. But even in her life of privilege and her royal blood line, her destiny was in the hands of her parents and men of political power. Unfortunately for Jane, those who sought to gain power upon Jane's royal lineage were only interested in their own status. Jane though tried to maintain her dignity and composure throughout, showing a maturity far beyond her young years. England was facing the conflicts arising from the establishment of the Church of England and the Protestant faith and those who believed that only Catholics practiced true faith. Choose the wrong side and it was "off with your head".
The book was clearly well researched and held my interest throughout.
The book was clearly well researched and held my interest throughout.
February 6, 2017
Most people know the story of Lady Jane Grey, the 'Nine Days Queen' - actually thirteen but who's counting? She is perhaps one of the most tragic victims of the Tudor era - a girl who was only ever a pawn for the ambitions of unscrupulous men seeking power. She never wanted the throne, never sought it, and paid with her life for the mistakes of others. No wonder the sentimental Victorians swooned over her. Sadly, it seems Nicola Tallis does too.
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to learn more about Jane herself, who has always been a shadowy figure behind the catchy nickname, and in many respects this book delivered. Tallis has certainly done her homework: her research is impeccable, what little of it there is to find is all here, and she does a fine job of laying out the complexities of Henry VIII's inheritance. But I felt there was just too much imaginative speculation, too much historical licence that was almost verging on fiction, and melodramatic fiction at that. Jane's actions and words may be a matter of record, but her thoughts and feelings and impulses are not, and too often Tallis would present as fact things that can only ever be speculation - Jane's feelings at the sight of her husband's beheaded body, Frances' thoughts on her husband's traitorous actions, Jane's feelings towards her father.
I know that in many regards all history is a work of the imagination - to make a narrative live one has to imagine a little bit, to liven up the text and make the people real to the readers - otherwise it is just names and dates. But there's a line, and unfortunately this book (for me, at least) fell on the wrong side of the line. It read like Tallis set out to portray Jane as a tragic victim, and that's how the entire narrative is shaped. I can't help but compare it to Leanda de Lisle's Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey, who credited Jane with far more will and agency and determination of her own fate than Tallis does. This book very much felt like a biography of the Jane of Nicola Tallis' imagination, with support from the historical record, rather than the other way around.
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to learn more about Jane herself, who has always been a shadowy figure behind the catchy nickname, and in many respects this book delivered. Tallis has certainly done her homework: her research is impeccable, what little of it there is to find is all here, and she does a fine job of laying out the complexities of Henry VIII's inheritance. But I felt there was just too much imaginative speculation, too much historical licence that was almost verging on fiction, and melodramatic fiction at that. Jane's actions and words may be a matter of record, but her thoughts and feelings and impulses are not, and too often Tallis would present as fact things that can only ever be speculation - Jane's feelings at the sight of her husband's beheaded body, Frances' thoughts on her husband's traitorous actions, Jane's feelings towards her father.
I know that in many regards all history is a work of the imagination - to make a narrative live one has to imagine a little bit, to liven up the text and make the people real to the readers - otherwise it is just names and dates. But there's a line, and unfortunately this book (for me, at least) fell on the wrong side of the line. It read like Tallis set out to portray Jane as a tragic victim, and that's how the entire narrative is shaped. I can't help but compare it to Leanda de Lisle's Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey, who credited Jane with far more will and agency and determination of her own fate than Tallis does. This book very much felt like a biography of the Jane of Nicola Tallis' imagination, with support from the historical record, rather than the other way around.
December 1, 2016
The story of Lady Jane Grey has captivated many people since her death over 460 years ago. She is typically thought of as a romantic figure, a pawn in greater men's schemes. Of course, she was that to a certain extent, but this biography demonstrates that she was also a young woman of unusual intellect and fanatic faith. She did not ask for the crown, but once she had it she also demanded the crown jewels. She held fast to her faith and had contempt for anyone who did not. She had much in common with her cousin, Mary, though they are remembered very differently.
Since there is little recorded of the short life of Jane Grey, much of this book extrapolates information from what we do know of her parents and royal relatives. Due to Jane's love of reading and writing, many examples of her own thoughts are included, and they are certainly not those of a submissive teenager. I enjoyed getting as detailed of a picture of Jane as I believe it is possible to obtain.
A book about Jane could have easily turned into a denouncement of Queen Mary, the woman who was eventually convinced to send Jane to her death. However, I was pleased to see that the author does not do this. Mary's rise was accurately described as the will of the people and achieved without bloodshed. This is not a story of Jane versus Mary, and I was impressed by the author's ability to write a fair and balanced account.
If you have studied Tudor history, I think you will still find a few interesting new tidbits in this book. I know I did. It was also beneficial to read about some of what I did know but from the point of view of how it effected Jane. The narrative style is easy to read, and the details are well-researched. Definitely a worthwhile read.
I received this book through the publisher and NetGalley.
Since there is little recorded of the short life of Jane Grey, much of this book extrapolates information from what we do know of her parents and royal relatives. Due to Jane's love of reading and writing, many examples of her own thoughts are included, and they are certainly not those of a submissive teenager. I enjoyed getting as detailed of a picture of Jane as I believe it is possible to obtain.
A book about Jane could have easily turned into a denouncement of Queen Mary, the woman who was eventually convinced to send Jane to her death. However, I was pleased to see that the author does not do this. Mary's rise was accurately described as the will of the people and achieved without bloodshed. This is not a story of Jane versus Mary, and I was impressed by the author's ability to write a fair and balanced account.
If you have studied Tudor history, I think you will still find a few interesting new tidbits in this book. I know I did. It was also beneficial to read about some of what I did know but from the point of view of how it effected Jane. The narrative style is easy to read, and the details are well-researched. Definitely a worthwhile read.
I received this book through the publisher and NetGalley.
December 23, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley, and although Jane Grey is a terribly depressing subject, this was a fantastic read. Nicola Tallis does an amazing job of breaking down the myths surrounding Lady Jane and clears up some of the foggy details of her life. Deeply researched and carefully constructed, the story is easy to follow, providing a lot of detail about Jane's family and her contemporaries which helps readers understand the time in which she lived--as well as what contributed to her downfall. Tallis follows the popular argument that seventeen-year-old Jane was a pawn in the hands of ambitious men, much like Anne Boleyn before her. Although her reign was brief (so, too, her life), there is an abundance of material in this book about Jane's early years, and what she wrote or said during her time in the Tower. I would highly recommend this for any Tudor fan!
December 20, 2020
Oh those stinky British royals. Fascinating and repulsive. Great book. Mind-boggling how an author can do such an immense amount of research, deal with a life that has enormous gaps in what’s been left behind, and create an accurate, page-turner of a story. I remained hooked throughout the book. Great author and great story. Honestly, I knew very little about Lady Jane Grey before I read this book but her story is heartbreaking. Also, the violence between Catholics and Protestants never ceases to appall me (same religion!), and the cruel methods of execution inflicted by certain civilizations is beyond belief.
September 14, 2017
An excellent debut for historian Nicola Tallis.
I learned a lot about Jane Grey from her excellent research. I knew that Lady Jane was educated, I just hadn't realised to what degree. I also didn't realise just what a complete fecking idiot she had for a father.
Well written, well researched and totally readable.
I learned a lot about Jane Grey from her excellent research. I knew that Lady Jane was educated, I just hadn't realised to what degree. I also didn't realise just what a complete fecking idiot she had for a father.
Well written, well researched and totally readable.
February 4, 2017
Meh. If you love the Tudors and don't know anything about Jane Grey, this might be for you. Or if you are someone who doesn't mind the "nobody expected the Spanish Inquisition" style of writing. At the end of every chapter and sometimes several times in between, we are told that someone couldn't have imagined what was going to happen or what had just happened and I got sick of it. Otherwise, not badly written. But if this is a subject you already know a little about, and you don't need your history premasticated and delivered like a novel, read Eric Ives' book instead. Abandoning it to read something with more heft.
December 13, 2020
I didn't care for this at all. The author used sexism to denigrate the women she didn't care for like Elizabeth I or Catherine Parr. Of course Anne Bolyen which is just a standard trope in this period.
To describe a young teenage Elizabeth being molested by her step mother's new husband as if Elizabeth was a player in her own ravishment is gross.
As is describing Catherine Parr as lusty but not Henry VIII?
Meh 🤷🏾♀️
To describe a young teenage Elizabeth being molested by her step mother's new husband as if Elizabeth was a player in her own ravishment is gross.
As is describing Catherine Parr as lusty but not Henry VIII?
Meh 🤷🏾♀️
December 22, 2016
It has been a long time since I rated a Tudor history book so high or moved through one so quickly! Usually my five star ratings are reserved for Alison Weir and David Starkey, but Nicola Tallis is a promising new historian with a fresh and invigorating look into the life and tragedy of Lady Jane Grey. There was so much loving and painstaking research evident in this book. I have always been intrigued by the story of Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days Queen (which, after reading this book, I learned it was actually thirteen days), but Tallis' account of history was so suspenseful! That sounds crazy because we all know what happened to Jane Grey, but there was something in her writing that kept you on the edge of your seat! I knew what was going to come next, but her spin on it was so unique and eloquently written, that I learned something new on every page. This book was told more like a fictional story than a boring history book. There was so much beauty in Jane's story and I am so grateful to Nicola Tallis for bringing it to life. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in Tudor or British history.
December 29, 2017
While this is not the first book I have read about Lady Jane Grey, it did give me a greater insight into her life and the times she lived in.
August 1, 2017
Nicola Tallis together with Sarah Gristwood is one of the resident historians on Alison Weir's Tudor themed historical tours, something which explains a number of aspects of this solidly written biography: the front and back cover reviews from Weir and Gristwood; the concentration on the various stately homes and other historical sites where Jane was based and the Appendix describing those sites; the way in which the book often strays towards historical novel - we are often told that we can imagine how one of the historical figures must have felt, and there are occasional touches of historical colour (for example Christmas and New Year traditions) not directly related to Jane Grey; the clear writing style; the engagement with and challenge of better known historical sources but avoidance of insider debates and point scoring of other historians; the last chapter discussing posterity's treatment of Jane; the appendix discussing the absence of attributed portraits of Jane.
Jane herself comes across in this account as: greatly principled in her Protestant beliefs (in the concluding chapter Tallis does speculate that as a Queen Grey could have become as extremist as Mary); highly learned in theological matters with detailed reproductions of her unparalleled, for her age and sex, correspondence with leading theologians; a very reluctant participant in the events leading to her being proclaimed Queen, albeit a very determined Queen in her 9 day public/13 day total reign, for example making it clear she did not intend for her husband to rule as King.
Overall an interesting and enjoyable if unremarkable account.
Jane herself comes across in this account as: greatly principled in her Protestant beliefs (in the concluding chapter Tallis does speculate that as a Queen Grey could have become as extremist as Mary); highly learned in theological matters with detailed reproductions of her unparalleled, for her age and sex, correspondence with leading theologians; a very reluctant participant in the events leading to her being proclaimed Queen, albeit a very determined Queen in her 9 day public/13 day total reign, for example making it clear she did not intend for her husband to rule as King.
Overall an interesting and enjoyable if unremarkable account.
May 25, 2024
Lady Jane Grey was the granddaughter of King Henry VII. She was the first cousin once removed of Henry VIII's children. When Edward VI, was dying, he nominated Lady Jane to assume the throne of England. He removed his sisters, Mary I and Elizabeth I, from the line of succession in doing this. All of this caused quite a controversy and ended up in the execution of Lady Jane Grey. Nicola Tallis is a wonderful author and historian, and her books are very informative, interesting, and superbly well researched.
August 27, 2023
A very emotionally written account of the life of Lady Jane Grey and the incidents which lead to the permanent fall and ruin of the Grey house...
A young 17 years old girl raised up as an evangelical Christ facing death penalty after having been manipulated and betrayed by her closest friends and family members...
Living in the 15 hundredths she is also known as the 9-day queen!!!
Having a strong faith in Christ and his Words, she can steadfastly face death without fear...
Dean;)
A young 17 years old girl raised up as an evangelical Christ facing death penalty after having been manipulated and betrayed by her closest friends and family members...
Living in the 15 hundredths she is also known as the 9-day queen!!!
Having a strong faith in Christ and his Words, she can steadfastly face death without fear...
Dean;)
June 14, 2025
“Jane is chiefly remembered as a pitiful victim who was ruthlessly manipulated, when the reasons for her recognition should lie elsewhere. Today, we ought to remember her in the way in which she wanted to be commemorated by posterity: as a girl who was so steadfast in her religious faith that she was prepared to die for it; a heroine who believed in immortality, and that her soul would live on.”
“If justice is done with my body, my soul will find mercy in God.”
“If justice is done with my body, my soul will find mercy in God.”
June 22, 2018
A truly fascinating read. I have learnt new things about Lady Jane Grey and feel like I have a better understanding of her !
August 4, 2025
Tudor history is so juicy
September 29, 2024
mourning the cancelation of my lady jane by rereading the best biography on my girl <\3
February 10, 2018
I was very excited about this book. As History graduate and self confessed geek, I am always on the look out for new up and coming historians and their books. This one immediately grabbed my attention as I, like many people out there, am fascinated with the story of our short lived Queen, Lady Jane Grey. There are not many books out there that deal with her story in quite so much detail and so I was excited by the prospect of this new book dealing exclusively with the rise and fall of this historical figure.
It did not, on the whole, disappoint. Tallis' writing style is accessible and reads like a gripping story with comforting cliff hangers at the end of each chapter but at the same time it is still academic and you never get the feeling she is "dumbing down". However, and this is really my only criticism and hence not five stars, she does tend to repeat herself to the extent that sometimes in the following paragraph she uses the same exact phrases. It reminded me of when I was writing my own essays at University and after taking breaks and coming back to writing again without reading what I had already written I would say exactly the same point or the same phrases again. This did make reading this book a little trying at times and I couldn't help thinking that she would have been better off getting a proof reader/editor to have gone over it before publishing.
Aside from this one small stylistic criticism, I loved this book. It was a refreshing revisionist take on Lady Jane Grey. I had always wanted to get closer to the truth of her character and story and the Victorian Era painted her as this tragic and romantic martyr, bullied by her parents and completely manipulated by those around her before being beheaded by her cousin, Mary I. While there are elements of this to her story, Tallis drills down and investigates Jane's early life and refutes claims that her relationship with her mother was strained, quite the contrary.
We will never really know what completely happened and how the 17 year old girl who was catapulted onto the throne felt but I would lay good money that this book will get you closer than any other.
I had the good fortune of meeting the author at Hampton Court Palace last year when she was giving a lecture about her new book, Elizabeth's Rival, and I must say I am really looking forward to more work from this rising star in the field.
It did not, on the whole, disappoint. Tallis' writing style is accessible and reads like a gripping story with comforting cliff hangers at the end of each chapter but at the same time it is still academic and you never get the feeling she is "dumbing down". However, and this is really my only criticism and hence not five stars, she does tend to repeat herself to the extent that sometimes in the following paragraph she uses the same exact phrases. It reminded me of when I was writing my own essays at University and after taking breaks and coming back to writing again without reading what I had already written I would say exactly the same point or the same phrases again. This did make reading this book a little trying at times and I couldn't help thinking that she would have been better off getting a proof reader/editor to have gone over it before publishing.
Aside from this one small stylistic criticism, I loved this book. It was a refreshing revisionist take on Lady Jane Grey. I had always wanted to get closer to the truth of her character and story and the Victorian Era painted her as this tragic and romantic martyr, bullied by her parents and completely manipulated by those around her before being beheaded by her cousin, Mary I. While there are elements of this to her story, Tallis drills down and investigates Jane's early life and refutes claims that her relationship with her mother was strained, quite the contrary.
We will never really know what completely happened and how the 17 year old girl who was catapulted onto the throne felt but I would lay good money that this book will get you closer than any other.
I had the good fortune of meeting the author at Hampton Court Palace last year when she was giving a lecture about her new book, Elizabeth's Rival, and I must say I am really looking forward to more work from this rising star in the field.
February 2, 2017
Lady Jane Grey is not someone with whom I am very familiar and that is what caught my eye when I saw this on the Goodreads First Reads page. Tudor history is quite fascinating to me. And I now have a picture of the 17 year old who was thrust onto the British throne for thirteen days before being arrested and ultimately beheaded as a traitor.
Nicola Tallis writes history that is well researched and she tells a rich and satisfying story that does not read like a dry list of names and dates. She gets into the psyche of the people and shows the reader the complexity of the ultimate Game of Thrones.
I savored this book. I read slowly and found myself digging deeper into the history of the characters and their motivations. There were several places where I found the author repeating herself but they did not detract from my enjoyment of the work. I look forward to more from this talented author and historian. The ability to take history from what is often a dry recitation of names, dates and events and weave it into a vibrant and compelling story is not easily done. Tallis manages the task with aplomb.
Recommended.
Nicola Tallis writes history that is well researched and she tells a rich and satisfying story that does not read like a dry list of names and dates. She gets into the psyche of the people and shows the reader the complexity of the ultimate Game of Thrones.
I savored this book. I read slowly and found myself digging deeper into the history of the characters and their motivations. There were several places where I found the author repeating herself but they did not detract from my enjoyment of the work. I look forward to more from this talented author and historian. The ability to take history from what is often a dry recitation of names, dates and events and weave it into a vibrant and compelling story is not easily done. Tallis manages the task with aplomb.
Recommended.
Read
July 6, 2017Well written and informative. Jeesh- those Tudors were a nasty bloody bunch. Be glad you are a Commoner.
June 17, 2023
A very good and enthralling read. I've recently been fascinated about Lady Jane Grey, a nine day queen. Her story is a rather sad one. I feel like Tallis did her justice!
June 6, 2022
Memories of Lady Jane Grey conjure up a life of sadness and injustice: a young lady sacrificed through the actions of ambitious power-players in the complex world of sixteenth-century politics.
At the age of seventeen, Lady Jane Grey mounted the scaffold and was beheaded for usurping the throne, which she held for 13 days (not just the 9 days that history remembers). In this book, Nicola Tallis explores Jane's short life as well as the political and religious battles that were raging at the time, which directly led to her taking the throne and then losing it and her life.
I have read quite a bit about Lady Jane Grey, so I wasn't expecting to come across much new information in this book, but there were a few things I learned and unlearned about her life. I appreciate Tallis including so many primary sources in this book, especially since they aren't easy to come by. Tallis also shows Jane in a different light than a lot of other biographers do, showing her not as just an innocent victim, but also a young woman who had strong convictions and made some empowered choices of her own. Tallis has written such a great narrative that I found myself glued to the pages for hours, even though I knew so much of the story already. This book is definitely a great addition to the scholarship on Lady Jane Grey.
If you are looking for a history of Lady Jane Grey and her time, then I would highly recommend this one as it would make a great introduction. If, like me, you have read quite extensively about Lady Jane Grey, I would still recommend it, because it looks at things a bit differently than other books.
CW: child abuse, death of prominent characters, gore, incarceration, kidnapping/abduction, miscarriage/infant loss, pedophilia (references to child marriages), religious extremism, sexual content (references to), torture, violence, war
At the age of seventeen, Lady Jane Grey mounted the scaffold and was beheaded for usurping the throne, which she held for 13 days (not just the 9 days that history remembers). In this book, Nicola Tallis explores Jane's short life as well as the political and religious battles that were raging at the time, which directly led to her taking the throne and then losing it and her life.
I have read quite a bit about Lady Jane Grey, so I wasn't expecting to come across much new information in this book, but there were a few things I learned and unlearned about her life. I appreciate Tallis including so many primary sources in this book, especially since they aren't easy to come by. Tallis also shows Jane in a different light than a lot of other biographers do, showing her not as just an innocent victim, but also a young woman who had strong convictions and made some empowered choices of her own. Tallis has written such a great narrative that I found myself glued to the pages for hours, even though I knew so much of the story already. This book is definitely a great addition to the scholarship on Lady Jane Grey.
If you are looking for a history of Lady Jane Grey and her time, then I would highly recommend this one as it would make a great introduction. If, like me, you have read quite extensively about Lady Jane Grey, I would still recommend it, because it looks at things a bit differently than other books.
CW: child abuse, death of prominent characters, gore, incarceration, kidnapping/abduction, miscarriage/infant loss, pedophilia (references to child marriages), religious extremism, sexual content (references to), torture, violence, war
September 16, 2021
Not read a history book for while and this was a lovely read. It shows its workings which I like as part of the fascination for me is to see the background to the history and try to understand how historians work. I now know a lot more about the Tudors after Henry VIII and the story was easy for me to follow although you have to get used to the characters all being a bit inter related at first. The author brought them all to life and I am keen to learn more!
Have lent to Jayne but will let you have Beth when she has finished. Can we have the Testaments back as we want to read again after watching the recent TV series
Have lent to Jayne but will let you have Beth when she has finished. Can we have the Testaments back as we want to read again after watching the recent TV series
March 2, 2021
Known as the Nine Days Queen (although technically she was queen for thirteen days), Lady Jane Grey was a rather tragic figure: an intelligent young woman, briefly placed on a throne she never wanted, who ultimately fell victim to circumstances beyond her control and the overweening ambitions of others who should have had her best interests at heart but cared more about their own advancement. I've always found her story quite fascinating, and therefore very much enjoyed this deeply researched and well written biography.
January 21, 2024
I think Nichola Tallis is an exceptionally good historical author. Her books are detailed and well researched while interesting and readable. The short life of Lady Jane Grey is often described as the tragedy of a young girl used by ambitious men to grab power. But she is much more than just a victim. Jane is well educated and intelligent and has strong religious beliefs. Nicholas Tallis describes the intrigues and events that bring about Jane's death, with a great understanding of Tudor England.
March 15, 2024
I listened to the audiobook recording of this one which was sometimes painful but worth muddling through. This was my first non-fiction read about Lady Jane Grey and I felt like Tallis gave a very thorough overview of the history of Jane, what happened to her, and why she is still significant today. It's clear she did her research and I walked away with a greater appreciation for the Tudors in general.
May 13, 2020
I learned a lot about Lady Jane Grey, the nine days queen, by reading this, including that she was actually queen for a few days more.
Her story is a sad one, and I feel sorry that she was used by others who hoped to have power through her, but I was impressed by the strength of her faith. This was definitely a history book and not narrative nonfiction but it was still readable.
Her story is a sad one, and I feel sorry that she was used by others who hoped to have power through her, but I was impressed by the strength of her faith. This was definitely a history book and not narrative nonfiction but it was still readable.
February 11, 2021
Tallis has done a fine job accumulating what is known about the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey into an engaging read. Sadly, Crown of Blood is hamstrung by just how little was documented about Jane Grey contemporaneously, and so significant amounts of speculation and fantasy is required. I was also quite disappointed in the way Elizabeth Tudor's sexual abuse by Thomas Seymour: portraying her as an enthusiastic participant felt like a very cheap shot by "Team Jane".
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