Show Notes: Here are some great sources if you want to learn more!
Nicola Tallis, Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey
Suzannah Lipscomb, The King is Dead: The Last Will and Testament of Henry VIII
Helen Castor, England's Forgotten Queen: The Life and Death of Lady Jane Grey (video)

Imagine the moment in 1553. King Edward VI is dying. He has spent his reign dedicated to the cause of religious reform. The efforts have been dramatic and wrenching for many in the country: new laws that wiped out religious practices and celebrations that have shaped the life of England for hundreds of years, churches broken up and precious artwork and stained glass windows destroyed, people’s families torn apart by different responses to mandated religious practices. But for Edward and those closest to him, the efforts have brought England closer to the truth and closer to God Himself. Their efforts mean nothing less than the salvation of the country.

Now it was hanging by a thread.

Next in line to the throne is Edward’s half-sister, Mary. A devoted Catholic, Mary has actively refused all of Edward’s efforts to convince her to conform to the new religion. She has maintained her Catholic beliefs, even under pressure and repeated threats. As Queen, Mary will have the power to undo everything Edward has done.

So, is there anything Edward can do to prevent Mary returning the nation to Catholicism and, in his mind, sending everyone to hell? Could anyone else succeed him? Surely there was a fine Protestant male in the family somewhere!

On 10 July, and for the next few days, Jane was in the position of power. She held the Tower, the greatest fortress in the land. She commanded the royal armory. She had the weapons to defend herself. The Council was on her side. She had officially been proclaimed Queen. Northumberland was one of the greatest and most strategic warriors in the country.

Mary, on the other hand, had a few local supporters. She was popular, but she didn’t have access to the troops and weapons she would need to take the throne. Even her stalwart supporters abroad, including Charles V, initially assumed that Jane would prevail and refrained from publicly supporting Mary. 

But by 14 July, it was clear that Mary was, in fact, a force to be reckoned with. Supporters were continuing to flock to her. She had moved her troops to the stronghold of Framlingham Castle, the strongest castle in Suffolk. Mary’s claim to the throne spread quickly through the area. Men continued to flock to her. Nobles began to switch sides from Jane to Mary because their men pledged loyalty to Mary as true Queen. 

Both Jane and Mary claimed to be the rightful Queen. But there was room for just one on the throne. Who was really Queen?

History shows us what's possible.