Page "Elizabeth I of England" Paragraph 13

Edward VI died on 6 July 1553, aged 15.

His will swept aside the Succession to the Crown Act 1543, excluded both Mary and Elizabeth from the succession, and instead declared as his heir Lady Jane Grey, granddaughter of Henry VIII's sister Mary, Duchess of Suffolk.

Lady Jane was proclaimed queen by the Privy Council, but her support quickly crumbled, and she was deposed after nine days.

Mary rode triumphantly into London, with Elizabeth at her side.