Bradgate Park, located in Leicestershire, England, is a significant historical site as it is the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for just nine days before being overthrown by Mary I. The park has been subject to archaeological excavations since 2015, and newly-discovered stone building remains are thought to be the foundations of Lady Jane Grey’s childhood home.
The Birthplace of Lady Jane Grey
Lady Jane Grey was born in Bradgate House, which was the family home of the Grey family. The house was built in the early Tudor period and is one of the earliest unfortified manor houses in England, showcasing the wealth and status of the Grey family.
Bradgate House: A Tudor Architectural Gem
Bradgate House was built in red brick, which was an expensive building material at the time, and was completed around 1520. The house was approximately 200 feet long and featured a main hall measuring 80 by 30 feet. Although the house is now in ruins, considerable remains of walls and fireplaces, four truncated towers, and the chapel are still intact, containing a tomb effigy to Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford and his wife.
| Architectural Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Building Material | Red brick, an expensive material at the time |
| Dimensions | Approximately 200 feet long, with a main hall measuring 80 by 30 feet |
| Remains | Walls, fireplaces, four truncated towers, and the chapel |
| Tomb Effigy | Tomb effigy to Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford and his wife |
The Grey family lived at Bradgate House for over 200 years, and it is believed that Lady Jane Grey was born there in October 1537.
The Rise and Fall of Lady Jane Grey
After Jane and her father, Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk, were executed in 1554, the estate passed to the crown. Local history claims that groundskeepers marked the occasion of Jane’s execution by pollarding the estate’s oak trees in a symbolic beheading, and examples of pollarded oaks can still be seen in the park.
The Nine-Day Queen
Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed Queen of England in 1553 after the death of Edward VI, but her reign lasted only nine days before she was overthrown by Mary I, who became known as “Bloody Mary.” Jane’s brief reign was marked by political turmoil and religious tensions, as she was a Protestant and Mary was a Catholic.
| Event | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lady Jane Grey’s Reign | 9 days |
| Mary I’s Reign | Longer than 9 days |
The Aftermath of Jane’s Execution
After Jane and her father were executed, the estate passed to the crown. Local history claims that groundskeepers marked the occasion of Jane’s execution by pollarding the estate’s oak trees in a symbolic beheading, and examples of pollarded oaks can still be seen in the park.
Exploring Bradgate Park and Bradgate House
Visitors can explore the ruins of Bradgate House and learn about its history through an exhibition on the site, which includes displays of archaeological finds. The house is normally closed to visitors but is open to the public on specified ‘Open Days’ throughout the year, where guided tours are available.
Uncovering the Past: Archaeological Excavations
Since 2015, Bradgate Park has been subject to archaeological excavations, and newly-discovered stone building remains are thought to be the foundations of Lady Jane Grey’s childhood home. These excavations have provided valuable insights into the history of the site and the lives of the Grey family.
Guided Tours and Exhibitions
The ruins of Bradgate House are normally closed to visitors, but the site is open to the public on specified ‘Open Days’ throughout the year, where guided tours are available. Visitors can also explore an exhibition on the site, which includes displays of archaeological finds.
In summary, Bradgate Park and the ruins of Bradgate House offer a unique perspective on the life and times of Lady Jane Grey, providing a glimpse into the history of one of England’s most famous historical figures and the wealth and status of the Tudor era.
References:
– https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-64572986
– https://britishheritage.com/history/jane-grey-englands-nine-day-queen
– https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/leicestershire/properties/bradgate-house.htm
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradgate_House,_Bradgate_Park