Suffolk, Henry Grey, duke of

Suffolk, Henry Grey, duke of, d. 1554, English nobleman. He became 3d marquess of Dorset on his father's death (1530), and in 1534 he married Frances, daughter of Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk, and Mary of England (sister of Henry VIII). During Henry's reign he was active at court. Upon the accession (1547) of Edward VI, Grey at first supported the protectorship of the duke of Somerset but soon shifted his allegiance to John Dudley, earl of Warwick (later duke of Northumberland). He received favors at court and was created (1551) duke of Suffolk through his wife's claim. Lady Jane Grey was his daughter, and, upon the death (1553) of Edward, Suffolk joined Northumberland's plot to place her on the throne. However, when the plot failed, he deserted her cause and proclaimed Mary I queen. He was pardoned, largely because of his wife's friendship with Mary, but in 1554 he joined the rebellion of Sir Thomas Wyatt and was soon captured, convicted of treason, and executed.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: British and Irish History: Biographies