Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk

Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk (née Lady Frances Brandon; 16 July 1517 – 20 November 1559), was an English noblewoman. She was the second child and eldest daughter of King Henry VIII's younger sister, Princess Mary, and Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. She was the mother of Lady Jane Grey, de facto Queen of England and Ireland for nine days (10 July 1553 – 19 July 1553), as well as Lady Katherine Grey and Lady Mary Grey.

Frances Brandon was born on 16 July 1517 in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. Frances was an uncommon name at the time, as she was reportedly named after St. Francis of Assisi, although some historians believe she was named in honour of Francis I, the French king. At Frances's baptism, her aunt Queen Catherine (first wife of her uncle Henry VIII) and her cousin Mary served as godmothers.

Frances spent her childhood in the care of her mother, Mary Tudor, the youngest surviving daughter of Henry VII and younger sister of Henry VIII. For most of Frances’s childhood she resided in Westhorpe, Suffolk.

Her father, Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, had been married at least twice before. He obtained a declaration of nullity regarding his first marriage to Margaret Neville on the ground of consanguinity and secured a Papal bull from Pope Clement VII in 1528 to confirm his marriage to Mary Tudor, which legitimised Frances as his daughter.

In 1533, Frances married Henry Grey, Marquess of Dorset. The marriage took place at Suffolk Place, a mansion that belonged to her parents on the west side of Borough High Street in Southwark. It was this marriage, and her three children, which led to her life in the Tudor Court.

Frances's first two pregnancies resulted in the births of a son – Henry (Lord Harington), and a daughter, who both died at an early age with unknown birthdates. Their births were followed by three surviving daughters:

Frances's residence at Bradgate was a minor palace in the Tudor style. After the deaths of her two brothers, the title Duke of Suffolk reverted to the crown, and was later granted to Frances's husband. Around 1541 Bishop John Aylmer was made chaplain to the duke, and tutor of Greek to Frances's daughter, Lady Jane Grey.

As the niece of Henry VIII, Frances was frequently at court. It was through her friendship with Catherine Parr that Frances' daughter Lady Jane Grey secured a place in the queen's household. There, Jane met Henry VIII's son and future successor, Edward. Henry VIII died on 28 January 1547, and Edward VI succeeded to the throne. Jane followed Catherine Parr to her new residence and was established as a member of the inner circle for the nine-year-old king.