11th April 1554 on this day 468 years ago
11th April 1554 on this day 468 years ago
, Sir Thomas Wyatt the younger was executed for his part in the rebellion known as ‘Wyatts Rebellion’. This rebellion was against Mary I in an attempt to stop her marriage against King Phillip II of Spain, something which many people of this time felt very strongly about.
, Sir Thomas Wyatt the younger was executed for his part in the rebellion known as ‘Wyatts Rebellion’. This rebellion was against Mary I in an attempt to stop her marriage against King Phillip II of Spain, something which many people of this time felt very strongly about.
Wyatt had already shown his hand against Mary when he initially supported Lady Jane Grey’s claim to the throne after the untimely death of Edward VI. He however escaped punishment that time, as Mary was merciful to those who had supported this usurpation of her birthright. She opted to heap the blame at the main players doors ie. John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. However when he found out about Mary’s plans to marry King Phillip II of Spain he felt compelled to act.
However after what appeared to be initial success with the risings, as soon as they were alerted to Mary’s knowledge of their plans, their own lack of organisation & a rousing speech from Mary at the Guildhall reminding the city government that she was England’s queen, that she was “wedded to the realm and the laws”, that she was the true heir to the throne, her father’s daughter, and that she loved her people.
Mary was able to raise her own army & ensure the rebellion was halted, arresting those who led it.
Wyatt was tried on the 15th of March 1554 at Westminster Hall & convicted of treason. Which meant that the shadow of the executioners axe hanging over the Princess Elizabeth’s neck hovered for a considerable time after Wyatts death & also led to a very tumultuous relationship with the Queen, her half sister.
It also sealed the fate of the young Lady Jane Grey who had been secured in the Tower since Mary seized the throne from her in the summer 1553. On 12th February 1554, both Lady Jane Grey and her young husband Guildford Dudley the son of the deceased Duke of Northumberland, were both executed, this would be the most tragic end to Lady Jane’s short life and a terrifying event for the Princess Elizabeth who knew she was likely to be implicated in Wyatt’s Rebellion.
On the day of his execution he was led out to Tower Hill & the scaffold prepared there, most likely still remaining in place from the previous executions. He gave one final speech, ensuring that no blame was placed at the Princess Elizabeths feet.
“And whereas it is said and whistled abroad that I should accuse my lady Elizabeth’s grace and my lord Courtenay; it is not so, good people. For I assure you neither they nor any other now in yonder hold or durance was privy of my rising or commotion before I began. As I have declared no less to the queen’s council. And this is most true.”
Not only was he beheaded but his body was cut into quarters and his bowels and genitals were also burned. They took his head & the four quarters of his body & parboiled them. His head was displayed at St James’s for a period however mysteriously disappeared, it was never recovered.
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