Mary's reign began mercifully. Northumberland was executed but she spared Jane Grey and her husband Guilford Dudley.   However, when she announced her intention to marry the Hapsburg Archduke of Burgundy, the son of the Emperor Charles V, who became Philip II of Spain, there were several Protestant uprising.   One rebellion involved Jane's father. The only rebellion that came to much happened in Kent and was led by Sir Thomas Wyatt. He planned to force his way into London across the bridge, but once more the Tower garrison saved the City.   The Tower Guns were trained on Southwark though Mary insisted they not be fired. At the instigation of Southwark residents Wyatt moved on. He crossed the river at Kingston and approached London from the west.   Although Whitehall Palace, where Mary was in residence, was directly in their path, she refused to leave or even take refuge in the Tower.   Instead it was Wyatt and his followers who ended up there. They were defeated by loyal troops just inside the city.    Mary at last agreed to the execution of Jane Grey and her husband. In February 1554 he died on Tower Hill and she, after witnessing the return of his body, was executed on Tower Green.   Some months later Mary's own sister Elizabeth was brought to the Tower. She was suspected of complicity in the Wyatt Rebellion.   Elizabeth was brought to the Tower by water and entered through Traitor's Gate (The Watergate). Her arrival was characteristically memorable. Those of you who have seen the marvelous PBS series Elizabeth R might remember the scene. It was shot on location at Traitor's Gate.   At first Elizabeth refused to land. Then, she protested her innocence saying, "I come in no traitor but as true a woman to the Queen's Majesty as any is now living." She was lodged in the upper chamber of the Bell Tower.   Elizabeth was allowed out every day to exercise but she was allowed no other visitors except a doctor. She was allowed no books. She was questioned repeatedly but after two months without incriminating herself she was taken to Woodstock.   During the same time, March 1554, Mary came to the Chapel of St. John in the White Tower to be married by proxy to Phillip of Spain. The actually wedding was 4 months later at Winchester Cathedral.   As part of the marriage contract 20 cartloads of silver were delivered to the Tower Mint which also minted coins for Spain.       Tower Menu Tower Hill Tower Green Queen's House Tudors Prison     Main Menu E Mail