294: Lady Jane Grey: The Axe Falls (Part 2)

In this episode of The Rest Is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their discussion on Lady Jane Grey, picking up from where they left off in the previous episode. They explore Jane's ascent to the throne, her reluctance, and the political maneuverings of the Duke of Northumberland. The discussion covers Mary's strategic response, the lack of public enthusiasm for Jane, and the eventual collapse of Jane's brief reign. They also address listener questions about Jane's role, Elizabeth's position, and whether Jane should be considered a legitimate queen, ultimately concluding that historical perception and power dynamics have led to her being largely excluded from the list of English monarchs. The hosts examine the tragic circumstances of Jane's execution and debate her potential as a ruler, while analyzing why she isn't more celebrated as a martyr.