Guildford Dudley facts for kids
Guildford Dudley (born around 1536 – died February 12, 1554) was an English nobleman. He is best known as the husband of Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for just nine days. Guildford was executed along with Jane on February 12, 1554.
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Who Was Guildford Dudley?
Guildford Dudley was the son of a very powerful man named John Dudley. His father was first the Earl of Warwick and later became the Duke of Northumberland. Guildford's mother was Jane Guildford, and that's where he got his unusual first name.
Guildford was known for being quite handsome. However, he was also described as arrogant and selfish. Some people believed this was because his mother spoiled him a lot when he was growing up.
Guildford's Family and Power
His father, John Dudley, was a key figure in English politics during the reign of King Edward VI. After Edward VI died, John Dudley tried to put Lady Jane Grey on the throne instead of Edward's half-sister, Mary. This plan involved Guildford's marriage to Jane.
Marriage to Lady Jane Grey
In 1553, Guildford's father arranged for him to marry Lady Jane Grey. Marriages between important families were often arranged back then, not always for love, but for power and alliances. Guildford agreed to the marriage, as was common for young people in the 16th century.
However, Lady Jane Grey was not happy about the marriage. She thought Guildford was rude and didn't want to marry him. She only agreed after her parents pressured her, even using physical punishment like beating and whipping.
A King or a Duke?
When Lady Jane Grey became queen in July 1553, a big argument happened between her and Guildford. Guildford believed that he should be made king alongside her. But Jane disagreed strongly. She didn't think he had the right qualities to be a king.
Jane offered to make him a duke instead, which was still a very high rank. However, Guildford was not happy with this offer. He and his mother even tried to leave the Tower of London, where the queen usually stayed. But Jane had them brought back. Lady Jane Grey lost the throne just nine days later, on July 19, 1553.
Imprisonment and Final Days
After Lady Jane Grey lost the throne, both she and Guildford were imprisoned in the Tower of London. At first, they were allowed to see each other, but only in the garden. However, during the last few months of their lives, they were kept completely separate and were not allowed to visit each other at all.
A few days before their execution, Guildford asked Jane if they could meet one last time. But Jane refused his request.
Guildford's Execution
On February 12, 1554, Guildford Dudley was executed. Unlike his wife, Lady Jane Grey, he was not very calm in the days leading up to his death. He reportedly cried a lot.
However, on the actual day of his execution, he seemed calmer at first. But when he saw the execution block, he lost his courage and started crying again. People said he cried out "Pray for me!" many times before his death.
Images for kids
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The Crown Offered to Lady Jane Grey, as imagined in the 1820s: Guildford and Jane are in the centre
See also
In Spanish: Guilford Dudley para niños
