KEY EVENTS
c.1490-1501 - Preparations made and building commenced by Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset for building of new Manor House for manor of Groby; however, Grey died before house could be completed.
c.1520 - Building of Bradgate House completed by Thomas Grey, 2nd Marquess of Dorset.
10 Oct 1530 - Death of Thomas Grey, 2nd Marquess of Dorset, landowner of Manor of Groby. Son HENRY GREY becomes 3rd Marquess of Dorset and inherits Grey lands, including Bradgate House.
1536/37 - Birth of JANE GREY, eldest daughter of HENRY GREY and wife FRANCES BRANDON. Possibly born at Bradgate House, although recently London as place of birth has been suggested. Date of birth also cannot be confirmed (estimates range from Oct 1536-Oct 1537).
25 Aug 1540 - Birth of KATHERINE GREY, second daughter to HENRY GREY and wife FRANCES BRANDON, at Bradgate House.
20 Apr 1545 - Birth of MARY GREY, youngest daughter to HENRY GREY and wife FRANCES BRANDON; likely born at Bradgate House.
1545 - Elizabeth Hardwick (known as 'Bess of Hardwick') joins FRANCES GREY's household as a "waiting gentlewoman"; resides with the family predominantly at Bradgate, but also accompanies them down to London.
Feb 1547 - JANE GREY sent away from Bradgate House to live in household of THOMAS SEYMOUR as his ward; initially living at Seymour Place, The Strand, London, and then spending time at new wife KATHERINE PARR's home in Chelsea; household later moves at Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire in Jun 1548.
20 Aug 1547 - Marriage between Elizabeth Hardwick and Sir William Cavendish (treasurer of the Chamber of the Royal Household), held at two o'clock in the morning at Bradgate House in wedding hosted by the Dorsets; Elizabeth Hardwick (as 'Lady Cavendish') leaves the household.
Sep 1548 - JANE GREY returns to Bradgate House following Katherine Parr's death at Sudeley Castle.
Oct 1548 - Visits from THOMAS SEYMOUR to Bradgate House, requesting JANE GREY return to his care; she returns back to Seymour Place.
Jan 1549 - THOMAS SEYMOUR arrested on charges of treason and sent to Tower of London; wardship ends and JANE GREY returns to family.
1550 - Visit paid to JANE GREY at Bradgate House by Roger Ascham, scholar and Lady Elizabeth's formal tutor (known to have had previous acquaintance).
Feb 1554 - Execution of HENRY GREY following conviction for high treason; all lands are forfeited to the crown, including Bradgate House.
