Jane Knew When To Keep Quiet
Despite Jane’s behind-the-scenes iron fist, she knew being the anti-Anne meant knowing when to be silent. In 1536 a Catholic rebellion led by Jane’s third cousin Robert Aske demanded monasteries and Princess Mary to be declared heir.
Starkey (2004) says a French agent recorded Jane, sympathetic to the rebels, threw herself “on her knees before the King and begged him to restore the Abbeys.” Henry did not take this well. He reminded her that she was not to meddle in his affairs, then chillingly told her to remember Anne. It was a very firm warning, one Jane well understood.
