(1504-1553)
John Dudley was known as an English general, an excellent soldier, and a shrewd Tudor politician. He led the government of King Edward VI from 1549 to 1553.
He played a crucial role in the attempt of crowning Lady Jane Grey into the throne of England upon the death of King Edward VI. It was a major failure which resulted in the subsequent death of John Dudley in 1553.
Early life of John Dudley
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Nothing much is known about John Dudley’s childhood. His father was Edmund Dudley who served as the Finance Minister under the rule of King Henry VII. John was the eldest son of the family and his mother was Elizabeth Grey, daughter of Edward Grey, Viscount Lisle.
The subsequent death of King Henry VII in 1509 led to the downfall of Edmund Dudley. He was convicted of an act of treason where he was suspected of extraction of money from king’s subjects and was executed in 1510.
A bill of attainder was passed against Dudley’s family which was later lifted on 1512.
In 1511, Dudley’s mother remarried and John was put under the guardianship of Sir Edward Guilford. It was a major turning point for young John who was just 7 years old at that time. His stepfather was, in fact, Arthur Plantagenet who was the King’s half-uncle.
John started growing up in the Guilford’s family household in Kent along with Guilford’s daughter Jane who would be his future wife in the later years.
John Dudley’s knighthood in 1523
In 1521, John Dudley was appointed to serve at the retinue of Cardinal Wolsey for negotiation of peace between Francis I of France and Charles V of Spain. Guilford was the then Knight Marshal of Calais and he appointed John a minor command in his regime.
Dudley fought several battles and was rewarded Knighthood in 1523 by Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk.
Marriage and children
John Dudley married Jane Guilford by the end of 1525. The young couple lived in the Manor of Sussex and they had 13 children.
Dudley’s service to Henry VII
In the early 1530s, John came in close acquaintance with Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex and Sir Edward Seymour, the 1st Duke of Somerset.
During this time, he came into the notice of King Henry VIII and was appointed several military posts.
He was appointed as Lord Admiral in 1537 and served till 1547. He was extremely efficient in his work and was a successful commander at sea. He commanded several raids against sea pirates and French warships.
Dudley was very close to Henry VIII and accompanied him in the campaigns of Scotland and France in 1544. He also participated in various religious movements during this time.
Dudley’s alliance with Seymour
At the time of Henry VIII’s death, John was a member of the Privy Council. He was very close to Edward Seymour who was the uncle of the new king Henry VIII’s son Edward VI.
In 1547, Dudley was awarded the prestigious Earl of Warwick. While Seymour looked after the political issues, Dudley took care of military issues.
In September 1547, Dudley again proved himself as an excellent military commander and defeated the Scots at Pinkie.
In 1549, a rebellion broke out at Norfolk. Dudley defeated the rebellions at the battle of Dussindale.
Dudley’s political career
Dudley was a schemer and a plotter. Seymour was young Edward’s uncle and influenced him in every way. Dudley was aware of that and wanted to be close to Edward. He now wanted to overthrow Seymour and take his place.
Over the years, Dudley has proved himself efficient military personnel and quite loyal to his King. He has worked in several important government positions. So, he was quite favourite to the King.
In 1549, Dudley became the Lord Admiral and the following here in 1550 he became the Grand Master of the household.
In 1551, John Dudley became the Duke of Northumberland and was appointed the Earl Marshal of England.
By this time Seymour’s popularity has gone down and he was executed in 1551 for the act of conspiracy.
Dudley, a strong Protestant
John Dudley took great interest in religion and supported the Protestant faith. Apart from the spiritual reasons, it was quite evident that Dudley made huge profits through secularization of Church lands.
At that time a lot of new regulations were imposed on the Church and Dudley definitely played an important role.
The crowning Lady Jane Grey
Edward was never a strong king. He was frail and weak. In 1553, Edward was suffering from tuberculosis and there was no hope for his survival.
Dudley soon drew his devious plan. Dudley’s son Guildford Dudley was married to Lady Jane Grey who was the king’s cousin.
On June 21st, 1553, Dudley persuaded Edward to sign a document to overthrow both his half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth on grounds of illegitimacy. Edward further signed in advocating Jane as his legal successor.
Jane was proclaimed queen on July 10, 1553, and awaited her coronation. But by this time Mary’s support has grown to her favour. Even the Privy Council supported her and coronated her the queen on 19 July 1553.
Jane was imprisoned on an act of treason and held captive. Later she along with her husband were executed on 12 February 1554.
Dudley’s plan had turned against him. He finally surrendered on July 20, 1553. John Dudley was later executed for an act of treason on August 221553 at Tower Hill.
