Lady Jane Grey is known for her brief reign as Queen of England during the mid-16th century. Lady Jane Grey served as England's queen for a span of nine days during the year 1553, prior to the reign of Queen Mary Tudor. At the time, she was only fifteen years old. Lady Jane Grey was born into the Royal House of Tudor in October of 1537. Jane Grey was known for her outstanding scholastic abilities, and for her devotion to the reformed Protestant religion. She was quite attractive, with red hair, freckles and pleasant features. She was reported to be gentle and graceful, with a remarkable intelligence, and a love of scholarship. In 1547, Henry VIII died, and Edward became King at the age of nine. Edward VI ruled England for six years, the young king Edward had never been particularly strong. By the spring of 1553, his health had declined to a point where it was clear that he did not have long to live. Henry VIII's oldest daughter, Mary, was next in line for the English throne. Mary, however, was a staunch Catholic, and hoped to bring England back to the Roman Catholic faith once she became Queen. Lady Jane was royal, a close relative of Henry VIII, and a staunch Protestant. In addition, she had the personal characteristics desirable in a monarch. To consolidate his power, Dudley arranged for Lady Jane to marry his young son Guildford Dudley. Jane's parents, who supported the match, forced Jane to marry Guildford against her will. In July of 1553, John Dudley visited King Edward on his deathbed, and convinced him to declare his cousin Jane Grey as the next heir to the throne. Edward, a strong Protestant, signed the will that disinherited his sisters Mary and Elizabeth in the line of succession, in favor of the Lady Jane Grey. Edward died shortly after changing his will. Immediately after Edward's death, John Dudley's coalition proclaimed the 15-year-old Lady Jane Grey as the new Queen of England. Lady Jane protested that she had no right or desire to take the throne from Mary Tudor, but her protests fell on deaf ears. She was presented to the people of London as their new Queen on July 10, 1553. The Londoners were taken aback, as Mary Tudor was recognized as the rightful heir to the throne. Few had ever heard of the Lady Jane Grey. Queen Jane held her precarious throne for a total of nine days. Once she accepted the idea that she was Queen, she began to take her position seriously, and showed signs of independence and good judgment. However, she had few supporters beyond those who had plotted to make her Queen. Mary Tudor rallied and organized her own supporters, Mary's forces defeated Lady Jane's supporters, and Mary was declared Queen. Lady Jane Grey was arrested and tried for treason, along with other participants of the conspiracy to take Mary's throne. Jane and her husband were found guilty of treason, and sentenced to death. Lady Jane and Guildford Dudley were placed on house arrest in the Tower of London, in fairly comfortable accommodations. It appeared that Queen Mary might eventually pardon Jane and Guildford, and set them free to live their lives. However, that was not to be. Another plot against Mary Tudor was discovered. Unfortunately, Lady Jane's father was involved in this second conspiracy. This time, Mary's advisors insisted that as long as Lady Jane Grey was alive, Mary's throne would never be secure. Jane was too enticing as a potential figurehead for rebellions. In February of 1554, Lady Jane and Guildford Dudley were executed for their role in the plots against Mary Tudor. Shortly before her death, Jane was given a chance to save her life by converting to Roman Catholicism. Jane refused this offer, holding fast to her Protestant religious beliefs. Lady Jane showed great courage on the scaffold, and will be long remembered for her dignity and strength of character.