The early 16th century was a period of religious upheaval in England. The Protestant Reformation challenged the Catholic Church's authority, and monarchs' religious policies could determine life or death.

• Henry VIII’s break with Rome: Established the Church of England, breaking with the Pope.
   

• Edward VI’s Protestant reforms: Continued the move toward Protestantism but died young.
   

• Mary I’s Catholic restoration: Sought to return England to Catholicism, creating conflict.
   

Lady Jane Grey was a committed Protestant, making her an ideal figurehead for those opposing Mary’s Catholic claims.

The Death of Edward VI and the Succession Crisis

King Edward VI died on July 6, 1553, at just 15 years old. Before his death, Edward and his advisors, notably the Duke of Northumberland, sought to prevent the Catholic Mary Tudor from ascending the throne.

• The "Device for the Succession": Edward’s legal maneuver naming Lady Jane Grey as his successor, bypassing his half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth.
   

• The Duke of Northumberland’s Role: Married his son Guildford Dudley to Jane, positioning his family to retain power.
   

Jane’s Reluctance: Jane reportedly was hesitant about claiming the throne but was pressured by political forces shutdown123