The Tragedy of Lady Jane Grey: Facial Re-creations & History Documentary

Lady Jane Grey is a figure I’ve touched on before, and I made a modern version of her last year - you can check out that version on the Instagram account. Lady Jane Grey was the unlikely candidate for the throne when King Edward VI named her his heir upon his death in 1553. This left Jane in an incredibly dangerous position. Jane was tragically executed by her cousin Mary I after Mary came to claim the throne, having only reigned for 9 days as Queen of England. I wanted to recreate her also from the Streatham portrait, which is said to be the closest possible link to Jane. It’s still disputed as a true likeness of the Nine Day Queen, but is generally accepted as a somewhat poor copy of a lost original. It dates from around 40 years after Jane’s death, and includes a “Lady Jayne” description, as well as clothing that matches Jane’s era. We hope you enjoy!

0:00 Introduction
0:37 Jane’s Life & History
5:54 Reign & Execution
9:41 What did Jane really look like?
12:00 Recreations Revealed

Sources:

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This video creation and final image are ©Royalty Now.

[mindydiaz]

This one is so incredibly sad. This young girl never got a break. She deserved none of it.

[MrDJdo]

I think that lady Janes execution is one of the saddest pages of English history as she truly was a victim of a situation she didn't create.

[helenhirsch]

I read a detailed novel about Lady Jane Grey years ago - such a tragic figure, used as a puppet by everyone around her. Thank you for bringing her to life so beautifully.

[hex_BooBerry]

This is so wild because some of my mom's relatives have links back to her. The IRONY is that your depiction of Lady Jane looks EXACTLY like my mom when she was younger! So amazing, great job! I was legit blown away lol now I gotta show my mom

[robertpizor]

Have to admit I nearly cried when I saw the recreation as you can just see how young she was, and you captured that brilliantly. Thanks for bringing this poor young woman to life so beautifully and poignantly!

[Amadeus_]

I wept when you revealed her face. You did her such justice. It's like her soul was shining through. She looks so pure. Rest in the eternal peace of our Heavenly Father, Lady Jane.

[adm]

You’d have to have an unbelievable passion for this, because the hours on research and work bringing these people back to life has to be massive. Thank you for sharing your work with us. You make history more realistic and way more interesting! 🤗 💜

[Nanno]

I love how gently or admiringly you described Lady Janes life. You brought her story to focus with more respect than she had while living. Your art was beautiful also. Great work!

[butterfly]

Her story always makes me tear up. She didn’t deserve and even said she didn’t want it. I pray she’s resting easy.

[graveeverystep]

My first introduction to the courageous Lady Jane was a movie called Lady Jane (1986), starring Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), who I thought did a good job representing Lady Jane’s courage amidst so much pressure from everyone. Thank you for taking the time to share her story.

[heatherjohnson]

Thank you so much for the depiction you have created of such a sweet, innocent young woman. She was sadly just a child and really did not deserve such a cruel end to her life during the Tudor reign. Your attention to detail is incredible down to the music used for the background of the video.

[dougjenkinson]

For anyone interested there is a 1986 motion picture based on Lady Jane Grey, called 'Lady Jane', that stars a then 20-year-old Helena Bonham Carter. It's a good film.

[mikeaustin]

Absolutely astounding work. I taught History for 27 years in 3 countries. I wish I could have had your videos. Well done.

[RoyaltyNowStudios]

Correction: execution date was February 12, not February 11! I’m so sorry
More videos you'll enjoy:

[ropolito]

This is such a tragic story. You did a great job at recreating her likeness. I always learn so much by watching your videos. Thank you

[kstormgeistgem]

what a lovely young woman. it is indeed tragic that she was cut down as she was.
a passing note is that your version of her reminds me of a younger cousin of mine... especially in the smile.
anyway, thank you for bringing history back to life so others can grow to love learning about it too.

[jonvaden]

Lady Jane Grey is one of my favorite historical figures. So, of course when I saw this recreation of her, I had to watch the video. You took an awful portrait done from someone’s memory and created a beautiful recreation. Thanks!

[dreimer]

I love the photoshops, very much, but man, the history lesson is absolutely fantastic. I love them all, but this one was a wild ride. That poor child!

[cydkriletich]

Yet another life story exemplifying how women (and in many cases, such as this one, girls) were used as pawns in the games of powerful men. Of all of the executions that took place throughout the Tudor reign, hers is the most disgraceful and tragic. Once again, you’ve done a beautiful job telling her story and recreating her image.

[amandadorner]

I am so happy you chose Lady Jane Grey! I have been fascinated with her real story ever since reading the historical fantasy/comedy My Lady Jane. ❤