Nine Days Queen

We have had a lovely Easter weekend in Leicester, staying with my nephew and his wife 

in their new home.

We made two visits to Bradgate Park which was nearby.

 BRADGATE PARK was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago.
Extending to 830 acres of publicly accessible countryside the Park has a wild and rugged aspect that you do not expect to find so close to the city with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. If you do not fancy tramping over the hills, the lower part of the Park is easily accessible with a tarmac driveway running through the middle that is mainly traffic-free and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The River Lin runs through the Lower Park and is a popular spot to sit and picnic or just sit and watch the deer while children paddle in the shallows.

In the centre of the park are the ruins of the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, the nine days queen.

(from the website  bradgatepark.org)

1537–1554

 

                                                                      Lady Jane Grey was a great-grand-daughter of Henry VII, but her descent was traced through the female line, her grandmother being the elder sister of Henry VIII. Her parents were very strict, but she was exceptionally bright, and with the help of a tutor, showed herself to be an exceptional student. She mastered Greek, Latin French and Italian, and many other subjects at a very young age.

She was at one time considered as a bride for Edward VI of England, but he died at a young age, before any marriage was consummated. Instead, she was forced to marry Lord Dudley, the son of the Duke of Northumberland, who, against her wishes, proclaimed her Queen of England. This attempt to prevent Mary I, the eldest daughter of Henry VIII and a Roman Catholic, from assuming the throne however, was doomed to failure, and Jane was tried for treason. She was sentenced to death, but was spared by Queen Mary, who was fond of her cousin, and did not blame her for the rebellion. Unfortunately, another protestant rebellion broke out the following year, which again had the object of placing Lady Jane on the throne. This time, in spite of her personal innocence, Lady Jane was executed along with all of the other conspirators. 

 

The park was full of herds of deer, grazing or trotting across the paths in front of us.

Quite a sight.

The folly, Old John in the distance

and closer.

The park was full of ancient trees, reminding me yet again of ents.

 The River Lin meandering through the park. 

Many people were paddling, fishing and picnicking.

A quite delightful area.

I enjoyed the park very much.