Book Companion - Lady Jane Grey

About this episode

Charlie Higson explores the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen for only 9 days.

Willy Willy Harry Stee..........actually, we'll stop there for this episode. The lady in question was Queen, but only for 9 days and apart from a small apologetic addendum at the end of some versions of the rhyme, Lady Jane Grey doesn't get a mention. They say a week is a long time in politics. Well, it's nothing compared to 9 days in the Monarchy and as Charlie Higson discovers, her tale is a tragic one. She didn't even want to be Queen! Joining him to unravel the tale is Helen Castor author of She-Wolves who returns for one last time to uncover a story of plotting, religious fanaticism and eventually, violence. Speaking of Books, Charlie's book, WIllie WIllie Harry Stee is available to buy, read, enjoy and other things you might use books for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Charlie Higson

Guest: Helen Castor

Topics covered

• Monarchy
• History
• Politics
• Religion
• Violence
• Tragedy

Keywords

• Lady Jane Grey
• Monarchy
• Charlie Higson
• Helen Castor
• She-Wolves
• politics
• religious fanaticism
• violence
• tragedy

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: She-Wolves, WIllie WIllie Harry Stee

More episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee...

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• Book Companion - Oliver Cromwell · May 28, 2026 · 1h 32m
• Book Companion - Charles I · May 21, 2026 · 1h 15m
• Book Companion - James I · May 14, 2026 · 1h 23m
• Mary, Queen Of Scots · May 8, 2026 · 1h 6m