Written by the co-founder and editor of Tudor Times, Melita Thomas recounts the origins and fortunes of the Grey family, one of England’s most important dynasties. The work records the family’s rise as a fundamental supporting cast to the medieval monarchy of England.
The book is split into five distinct eras which chart the times and trials of many members of the Grey dynasty from the many different historical sources available.
Part one covers the era 1432 to 1483 and recounts the formation of the Grey family starting with Sir Edward Grey, Lord Ferrers. The reader is led through the family dynamics during the reigns of both Henry VI and Edward IV and the family’s own links with each of those royal houses. It would be Edward Grey’s eldest son John, who would marry Elizabeth Woodville who, ultimately became Queen of England on her later marriage to Edward IV.
It describes the rise of Thomas and Richard Grey, Queen Elizabeth’s sons born prior to her marriage to Edward IV and therefore his own stepsons. Ultimately, Thomas was honoured with the title of Marquis of Dorset and Richard was knighted during this time.
Part two recounts the era of 1483 to 1509. This section opens with the death of Edward IV and the scramble for the throne. The reader is taken through the journey of Edward V to the Tower of London after the death of his father for his coronation and the subsequent arrest of Lord Rivers and Richard Grey who were accompanying the young Edward on his journey. Edward V and his brother Richard were then conveyed to the Tower to await Edward’s coronation but subsequently vanished. Richard then had Edward IV declared illegitimate (and therefore his line) and was proclaimed Richard III in or around June 1483. Lord Rivers and Richard Grey were then executed.
The book continues and follows Thomas Grey’s rebellion against Richard III and his subsequent escape to Brittany with the future Henry VII. Richard III was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 when Henry VII was proclaimed King and married Elizabeth of York (Thomas Grey’s stepsister).
Part three records the family dynamics playing out between 1509 and 1530. It opens with the passing of Henry VII, and the accession of Henry VIII – a cousin of Thomas Grey the second Marquis of Dorset. It charts his role in historic events such as being part of the retinue accompanying the King’s sister, Princess Mary to France for her wedding to Louis XII and his part in the Field of the Cloth of Gold. He was also a member of Henry VIII’s council. When Henry ennobled his illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, as Duke of Richmond, Dorset was part of the ceremony and his son, Lord Henry Grey, was made part of Richmond’s ducal household. His sister, Lady Katharine Grey joined princess Mary’s household at around the same time with Dorset being named as Lord Master of Princess Mary’s Household. At that time, he was also Steward of the Lordship of Chellismore, Warwickshire and Master of the Game there.
During the well recounted drama of Henry’s reign and many marriages, the Grey family were inevitably caught up in the troubles and their loyalties were divided. Dorset was required to give evidence at the court set up to hear the King’s annulment case, which considered whether Queen Katharine’s first marriage to Henry’s brother, Arthur, had been consummated. Thereafter it appears that Dorset’s name disappears from records in around December 1529 and he died in October 1530.
Part four covers 1530 – 1547 and the remainder of the reign of Henry VIII, the reformation and the continued rise of the Grey family.
Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk (and close friend of Henry VIII) paid for the wardship of Lord Henry Grey (Third Marquis of Dorset) and for royal consent for the marriage of Henry to his daughter, Lady Frances Brandon, granddaughter to Henry VII. This meant any future generations would be cousins to the Tudor house. Frances and Henry had three daughters, Jane, Katherine and Mary, one of whom would become Queen of England.
Part five recounts events between 1547 to 1554 and begins with the death of Henry VIII and the coronation of Edward VI at which Dorset was present. As Melita Thomas asserts, Henry’s Succession Act of 1544 had given Dorset and Frances’ children a ‘vague claim to the throne’.
When it became apparent that Edward’s health was failing, he drew up the ‘Devise for the Succession’ which effectively erased his half sisters, Mary and Elizabeth from the succession and named his heirs. This was further amended to bequeath the throne to Lady Jane Grey and any sons she may bear.
As history recounts, Mary, elder daughter of Henry VIII did not back down. She raised forces in her support and was ultimately successful and proclaimed Queen on 19 July 1553. Jane was charged with treason and later on 12 February 1554 she and her husband were beheaded on Tower Green.
These five eras of history are well known but when viewed from the Grey family’s perspective the reader can see the pivotal role the family played in the formation and support of the monarchy. Many members of Grey family enjoyed royal patronage and due to divisions within royal circles, some paid the ultimate price. By breaking down this journey into five sections, it allows the reader to keep pace with the fast changing political and religious landscape at that time. Key to each section are the genealogical tables which start each chapter (some with a simplified version). These were of enormous significance, easy to flick back to, allowing the reader to establish the family tree firmly in their mind when reading on. Indeed, there were some surprises for this reader in the noteworthy descendants of Ida de Grey who were Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour and Katheryn Howard.
The style of writing is clear to follow, and the reader can appreciate throughout the sheer amount of research necessary to produce such a vivid account of such a complex period of history. This is evident throughout this work and there are also comprehensive appendices provided at the back of the book as well as a detailed catalogue of sources. This book is an ideal read for anyone with a passion for the period and can offer the reader a view of this colourful period of history from a different family perspective.
Reviewed by Kate Hope
*Would you like to hear more? In episode 69 of Talking Tudors, Natalie Grueninger chats all things Grey Family with Melita Thomas.*
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