Astley Castle

The ghost of Lady Jane Grey and her father walk among the ruins here; she is said to sit, reading quietly while he is rarely seen and lacks a head. The Grey family lived here, and when Edward VI died, the only heir that Protestants and Catholics could agree upon was 15 year old Lady Jane. However, Mary, Henry VIII's daughter, had gathered supporters and Lady Jane was arrested for treason. She was sentenced to death but clemency was granted and she was sent to prison instead. Henry Grey became part of an uprising that was quelled and he fled. Mary had Jane executed and her father hid in Astley, whereupon a servant brought him food and drink until he betrayed his master. Henry, like his daughter, was executed and is seen minus his head.

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