The House of Grey: Friends & Foes of Kings

The Grey family was a prominent dynasty in mediaeval England, serving as sheriffs, barons, and military leaders for the English kings. Their rivalry with Owain Glyndwr and Lord Grey of Ruthyn played a significant role in the Welsh bid for independence. Edmund Grey's switch of allegiance at the Battle of Northampton was crucial. Elizabeth, the widow of Sir John Grey, ascended to the throne as the first Yorkist queen, giving her sons a place in the royal family. The competition for control of Edward V led to Richard Grey's execution and the disappearance of their royal half-brothers. Thomas Grey sought revenge and joined Henry Tudor in exile. The family returned to court under Henry VII, but Thomas was briefly imprisoned. Their children gained positions in the courts of Henry VIII and his daughter, Mary. The 2nd Marquis supported Henry VII's divorce but his son's attempt to crown his daughter led to disaster and the execution of Henry, his brother, and Lady Jane Grey.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The Grey family, a prominent dynasty in mediaeval England, held significant roles as sheriffs, barons, and military leaders throughout the reigns of various English kings. Their prominence reached its peak during the reign of Henry IV, where the rivalry between Owain Glyndwr and Lord Grey of Ruthyn played a pivotal role in the Welsh quest to challenge English dominance. Edmund Grey, the successor to Lord Grey, assumed a crucial role in the Battle of Northampton by switching his allegiance from Lancaster to York. However, the family faced tragedy when Edmund's Lancastrian cousin, Sir John Grey, perished at the Second Battle of St Albans, leaving behind a widow, Elizabeth née Woodville, and two young sons, Thomas and Richard.

Unexpectedly, Elizabeth caught the attention of Edward IV and ascended to the throne as the first Yorkist queen, thereby granting her sons a prominent position within the royal family. The competition for control over the young Edward V between the Greys and Richard, Duke of Gloucester, resulted in Richard Grey's summary execution and the disappearance of their royal half-brothers when Gloucester assumed the throne. Thomas Grey, driven by a thirst for revenge, joined Henry Tudor in exile.

When Thomas's niece, Elizabeth of York, ascended to the throne as queen, the family returned to court. However, Henry VII remained cautious of Thomas and briefly imprisoned him. Thomas eventually married Cecily Bonville, the greatest heiress in England, and their numerous children secured positions within the court of their cousin, Henry VIII, and his daughter, Mary. The 2nd Marquis, known for his vigorous support of Henry VII's divorce from Katharine of Aragon, faced a tragic turn when his son, Henry, attempted to crown his own daughter, leading to a disastrous outcome and the execution of Henry, his brother, and his daughter, Lady Jane Grey, known as the "Nine Days Queen."

By weaving the lives of these individuals from one family into a cohesive narrative, we gain a vivid insight into the mediaeval and Tudor periods, showcasing the complexities, rivalries, and triumphs that shaped the course of English history. The Greys, through their actions and alliances, played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of England and leaving a lasting legacy that continues to intrigue historians and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 131 x 198 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398112421