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Helen Castor tells the story of Lady Jane Grey, the first reigning queen of England. Three days into Jane's reign the clock is ticking. Mary Tudor is determined to seize power.

Jane is known as the 'Nine Days Queen' - and three days into her reign the clock is ticking. Mary Tudor, eldest daughter of Henry VIII, is determined to seize power. Both women are raising armies.

The manipulative Duke of Northumberland is dispatched from the Tower of London to lead Jane's forces against Mary at her castle at Framlingham. Northumberland sets out for a battle that could descend into civil war. But ordinary people can turn the tide of history. Will they go against the odds and side with the Catholic Mary Tudor?

Jane's military leaders send heavily armed ships to the coast of East Anglia to prevent Mary escaping by sea and to cut her off from any help that might come from Catholic supporters in Europe. But the crews rebel and turn the ships and their weapons over to Mary. Mary and Jane now have armies matched in size and matched in firepower. The future of the country - its religion and its ruler - hangs in the balance.

59 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Helen Castor
Lady Jane Grey Eilidh Loan
King Edward VI Ashley Gyngell
Mary Tudor Lainy Boyle
John Dudley Michael Adams
Henry Grey Robin Jones
Participant John Guy
Participant Anna Whitlock
Participant Leanda de Lisle
Participant J Stephan Edwards
Participant Joanne Paul
Participant Sally Dixon-Smith
Participant James Sharpe
Production Company Darlow Smithson Productions Ltd
Director Bill Thomas
Executive Producer Emily Dalton
Executive Producer Tim Green
Producer Jenny Mauthe
Producer Lucie Crawford

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