On this day in Tudor history, 27th (or 28th) July 1553, King Edward VI's former tutor and principal secretary, thirty-nine-year-old Sir John Cheke, was sent to the Tower of London.
Edward VI had died on 6th July 1553 and his council followed his wishes, proclaiming Lady Jane Grey as Queen Jane. Cheke served the new queen as secretary of state.
However, Henry VIII’s eldest daughter, Mary, wrote to the council asserting that she was the rightful queen. On 10th July, the same day that Jane was proclaimed queen, Cheke replied to Mary on behalf of the council, rejecting her claim.
Mary rallied men to her cause and took the throne on 19th July. It’s not surprising that Cheke was one of those imprisoned by her.
Fortunately for Cheke, he was released in spring 1554 and given licence to go into exile.
You can find out more about him in the video I did for the anniversary of his birth:
Also on this day in Tudor history...
Image: An engraving of Sir John Cheke by Joseph Nutting (1660-1722).
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