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to say Jane was shocked and furthermore didn't really want the job! She made a quick prayer that if this is what God wanted for her then she prayed he show her the way. On July 10th Jane was taken to the Tower, as was customary for new sovereigns to take up residence in the royal apartments between the times of accession and coronation. It was there that Jane refused to try on the crown and came to full realization of her father-in-law's plans when they told her another would be made for Guilford when she named him king. Now she understood that John Dudley didn't want HER for Queen, he wanted his SON for King and through him he would rule all of England! To that end Jane denied Guilford the crown and instead made him a Duke.

Guilford, with his mother by his side, attacked Jane for her ridiculous and childlike behavior by not making Guilford the king. For the first time in her life Jane stood her ground. Guilford was ordered by his mother to return home with her, however Jane put a stop to that noting that the king consort's duty was to stand by his Queen and wife.

While this was going on Mary had taken refuge at Framlingham Castle in Suffolk. John Dudley's biggest mistake was not taking her prisoner before Edward's death and now she was unreachable. After learning of Edward's death and the plot to put her cousin on the throne Mary began raising the forces of her Catholic supporters, of which she amassed 20,000. The difference between Dudley's supporters and Dudley's supporters is Mary had simple Englishmen who were fighting for what was right - Mary on the throne. Dudley's supporters were nobles who would switch sides in a heartbeat if it would keep their heads firmly attached to their necks.

John Dudley knew that the right to the throne had to be resolved on the battlefield, so on July 13th he met with the councilors one last time and set out on his mission. He also sent word to France that if they backed him he would hand over Calais and Ireland in exchange for military aid. On July 14th as Dudley headed north to Framlingham Castle he noticed the folks of the countryside did not seem behind him in his plight. Dudley's own men were confused as to who they should support. If they supported Dudley and Mary won they would surely be punished. If they supported Mary they would be seen as traitors to Queen Jane. As Dudley continued to march forward the more wealthy towns were all claiming Mary as their Queen.

On July 17th Jane's councillors began leaving the Tower

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