ON THIS DAY - 25 August 1540

On This Day (25 Aug) in 1540, Katherine Grey was born at Bradgate House, Leicestershire; the second daughter of Henry Grey, 3rd Marquess of Dorset and his wife Frances Brandon.

'Portrait Miniature of Katherine Grey, Duchess of Hertford' Lavinia Teerlinc; c.1555-1560 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Whilst her elder sister Lady Jane Grey was renowned for her intelligence and religious fervour, Katherine was known for her warmth and affection (in particular towards her pets), as well as her beauty. In Aug 1561, a heavily pregnant Katherine Grey was imprisoned in the Tower of London by a furious Elizabeth I after discovering her secret marriage to Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford 9 months previously. Whilst in the Tower she gave birth to two children (who were later deemed illegitimate), following a forced annulment of her marriage, due to the belief that it was part of a conspiracy against Elizabeth, given her previous claims to the English throne.

'Katherine Grey' English School, c.1560 © Syon House

Katherine was later released from the Tower in 1564, although remained under house arrest, having been separated from her children. Weak and depressed, and refusing to eat, Katherine died on 26 Jan 1568 aged 27yo of consumption at Cockfield Hall, Yoxford; she was initially interred in the nearby chapel, although her body was moved to Salisbury Cathedral, and buried alongside Edward Seymour beneath a great monument dedicated to the pair, following his death in 1621.