dle, Jane was strong.When Jane was fourteen years of age she was forced into marriage against her will. King Edward VI was sick with tuberculosis and nearing the end of his life at only fifteen. Edward needed to be married and produce an heir in order to keep Protestant rule over England(Hal 3). Mary and Elizabeth, daughters of Henry VIII, were listed in Henry's will as the next two in line to the throne. Both women were Catholic(Hal 3). It was John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, who found an interest in Jane, her being the fourth in line to the throne. Being chief minister to Edward, Dudley knew he may lose his power due to his fierce anti-Catholic ways. To Dudley, Jane was his only chance in retaining the power and status he had acquired(Hal 3). The Duke of Northumberland then conspired a plan, in which his first step was to befriend Henry and Frances Grey. By May he had convinced them to formalize their alliance through marriage. Jane was summoned to see her parents where she was informed that she was to marry Guildford Dudley, son of John Dudley(Hal 4). Jane Grey protested sharply because of her strong dislike for the Dudley family, but she was assured that life would not change and go on as usual. Jane and Gulidford were wed at the old Durham House on May 25, 1553(Luke 229). In the same ceremony Jane's two younger sisters were married as well. This tied John Dudley to three of the most powerful families at court(Luke 230).Within two months of her marriage to Dudley, Jane was forced onto the throne, again against her will. John Dudley had informed the Greys of his plan within ten days of the wedding. Jane and Guildford began living together at the Durham House(Hal 4). Jane had protested living with him as man and wife. The Duchess of Nothumberland had gotten very angry about Jane's complaining when she had to leave home. Jane was also informed of Edward's illness at this time. She was told to be prepared for anything the king may...
