Edward's skills were recognised by Northumberland and therefore was attending Privy council meetings.
Succession first altered
Approx. May 1553
Edward was committed to Protestantism and it was possible that in order to preserve the religious reform programme he wanted to exclude Mary. The succession was altered by the 'Devise for the Succession'.
Devise altered to make Jane the heir
Approx. June 1553
Due to no male heirs of the Grey family and no possibility that any would be born before Edward died.
Edward VI dies
6th July 1553
His death was kept quiet for 2 days before prominent men in London were forced to sign the devise, and the Council ordered sheriffs and justices of nearby counties to raise forces. However, Mary was quick to respond and she proclaimed herself as Queen and sent letters to the Privy Council.
Jane proclaimed Queen
10th July 1553
Meanwhile, Mary had proclaimed herself as Queen in East Anglia: she issued proclamations, letters of summons and finally asked the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, for help.
Mary becomes Queen
Approx. 12th July 1553
Northumberland lost support and was forced to abandon his march towards Framlingham (Mary's base) and retreated to Cambridge, where he proclaimed Mary Queen.
Northumberland executed
22nd August 1553
Executed despite his renunciation of Protestantism.