Nine Day Queen of England: Lady Jane Grey (Faith Cook)

Nine Day Queen of England: Lady Jane Grey

To comprehend the fascinating, brief life of Lady Jane Grey is to plunge into the far-reaching changes shaking England in the 16th century. At a time when the Reformation message was reaching an entire nation and challenging long-cherished beliefs, the ascent to power and then execution of this sixteen-year-old girl is a shining example of light shining in the darkness. A story that will inspire young girls to uncompromising living for Christ.

“Kneeling down on the hard wooden scaffold Jane turned to Feckenham who stood by her. “Shall I say this Psalm?”, she faltered. Overcome with emotion…he simply said, “Yea.”

Jane then began to repeat Psalm 51 in English, David’s great prayer of contrition. Jane recited all nineteen verses “in a most devout manner”, and then both she and Feckenham rose to their feet. A deep silence rested over that sad scene. Nothing could be heard except for the quiet sobbing of her lady attendants.

Hardened soldiers, who had witnessed brutality many times before, stood without moving, as Lady Jane called out in a clear voice: “Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” Then with a stroke — swift, sharp and terrible — Jane’s short life was ended.

Like the Apostle Paul, she had fought a good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. Henceforth there was laid up for her a crown of righteousness–a crown that none could take from her.”

About the Author

Faith Cook is the daughter of Stanley and Norah Rowe, missionaries of the China Inland Mission (now OMF), was born in north-west China. After missionaries were evicted from the country in 1951, she returned to the UK and attended Clarendon School in North Wales before proceeding to teacher training college in Bromley, Kent. She married Paul Cook in 1961, and they served several evangelical churches in the Midlands and Yorkshire before his retirement. They have a daughter, four sons and ten grandchildren, and now live in Breaston, Derbyshire.

Faith has written of her childhood in China in Troubled Journey.  She also has shown her historical prowess in authoring Selina, Countess of Huntingdon.