Guildford Dudley
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Guildford Dudley was the husband of Lady Jane Grey. He was born in 1536 and was executed along with Jane on February 12th, 1554.
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[change] Pre-Marriage
Guildford (also spelled as Guilford) was the son of John Dudley, the Earl of Warwick and later Duke of Northumberland and Jane Guildford (that was how he got his unusual name). He was very handsome, but arrogant and selfish because his mother spoiled him ever since infancy.
[change] Marriage
In 1553, Guildford was told by his father that he was to marry Lady Jane Grey. Like many other people in the sixteenth century, Guildford complied. But Jane did not want to marry Guildford because he was rude and stupid. Jane only agreed after her parents had beaten and whipped her. When Jane became queen in July 1553, they got into an argument about Guildford becoming king. Guildford claimed than he should be king, but Jane didn't believe that Guildford had the qualities to become king. She said she would make him duke, but Guildford threw a temper tantrum. Guildford and his mother attempted to leave the Tower of London, but Jane had him brought back. Jane lost the throne on July 19th, 1554.
[change] Inprisonment and Death
At first, Guildford and Jane were allowed to visit each other, but only in the garden. But for the last few months of their lifes, they were not allowed to visit each other anymore. A few days before their execution, Guildford asked Jane if they could visit one last time, but Jane refused. On February 12th, 1553, Guildford was executed and, unlike his wife, he was not very calm when he went to his death. Days before his death, he cried endlessly. But the day he was executed, he was calm. At the sight of the block, however, he lost his courage and cried again. He is said to have cried "Pray for me!" many times.
[change] Other Websites
- More on Guildford Dudley Guildford's biography