Lord Guilford Dudley

Guilford Dudley (1536 - 12 February, 1554) was a son of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, and Jane Guilford; and the younger brother of Robert Dudley, the future earl of Leicester. The unusual first name derives from his mother's family name.

Related Topics:
1536 - 12 February - 1554 - John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland - Robert Dudley

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His father was Lord Protector of the kingdom during the reign of King Edward VI of England. On Edward's death, Northumberland feared the accession of the king's sister, the Catholic Mary, and already had a scheme in place to replace her with a Protestant, Lady Jane Grey.

Related Topics:
Edward VI of England - Catholic - Mary - Protestant - Lady Jane Grey

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In order to ensure the security of the kingdom against Catholic rule, he had married her to his son Guilford on May 15, 1553.

Related Topics:
May 15 - 1553

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Within days of the sick boy king Edward's untimely death, Jane was hastily proclaimed queen, and against her own better judgement officially ruled for nine (or thirteen) days, with Guilford as her consort. However, Mary's adherents prevailed; Jane and Guilford were imprisoned, and Guilford, his father and Lady Jane were all soon executed (Jane within the Tower of London, and the accused Dudley family on Tower Hill).

Related Topics:
Tower of London - Tower Hill

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Guilford's unfortunate brothers, John, Ambrose, Robert and Henry, along with their mother, were also for a while incarcerated in the Tower, but were subsequently pardoned.

Related Topics:
John - Ambrose - Robert - Henry

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A cell wall in the Tower of London contains a carving of the word "IANE." (The letter "J" did not come into common use until the 18th century and was frequently signified by an "I" before this.) The carving is believed to have been done by Guilford while imprisoned, perhaps pining for his wife, or more likely his mother (also called Jane) for whom he had far greater affection.

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