Page "Chequers" Paragraph 4

What is known is that one William Hawtrey restored and enlarged the house in 1565.

A reception room in the house bears his name today.

It was this same William Hawtrey who, immediately after completing the house, guarded a royal prisoner at Chequers — Lady Mary Grey, younger sister of Lady Jane Grey and great granddaughter of King Henry VII.

She had married without her family's consent and was banished from court by Queen Elizabeth I and kept confined to ensure that she had no descendants.

Lady Mary remained at Chequers for a period of two years.

The " cell " where she slept from 1565 to 1567 is still kept as it was and appears even by today's standards quite a comfortable bedroom.

It is possible she was imprisoned to curb her independence and prevent any challenge to the throne such as that caused by her elder sister.