John Dudley

John Dudley was born in 1501. His father, Edmund Dudley, was a government official working for Henry VIII, but was executed for corruption. Dudley was brought up by Richard Guildford. In 1520 Dudley married Richard Guildford's daughter, Jane.

In 1523 Dudley accompanied Richard Guildford and Charles Brandon in a military campaign in France. On his return he was elected to the House of Commons.

Dudley also fought in Scotland and in 1542 was rewarded with the title, Viscount Lisle. When Henry VIII died in 1547, Edward was too young to rule, so his uncle, Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, took over the running of the country. Dudley now joined the Privy Council.

In August, 1549, Dudley led the successful military campaign against John Kett. Two months later Dudley helped to overthrow Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and in October, 1549, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Seymour was released in 1550 and allowed to return to the Privy Council. Seymour soon got involved in a conspiracy and he was once again arrested and was executed on 22nd January, 1552. Dudley, now the Duke of Northumberland, was now the most important political figure in England.

Edward was suffering from tuberculosis and as his health deteriorated, Dudley persuaded the king to alter the succession in favour of his own daughter-in-law, Lady Jane Grey. She was declared queen three days after Edward's death. However, she was forced to abdicate nine days later in favour of Edward's half-sister, Mary Tudor.

John Dudley was executed for treason on 22nd August, 1554. His son, Robert Dudley was also found guilty of treason but was pardoned by Mary's husband, Philip II of Spain.