Excerpt from MY STORY: BLOODY TOWER
by Valerie Wilding
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26th October 1558
Much muttering about the Queen’s poor health today. It is so exciting to think that we may soon have a new monarch, one who I know will be a good queen. (Though of course, I am sorry for Mary’s bad health.)
15th November 1558
Sick as she is, and often barely able to open her eyes, the Queen still wishes to burn heretics. It is said that more than 300 have perished horribly in the flames. I wonder, though, if the burnings have been her will alone. I confess I have never given this a thought before. I remember Lady Jane Grey and how men plotted and used her for their own ends. There are probably men who encourage Mary, in the name of God, to do the things she does. I feel hot and uncomfortable now. I have said such bad things about her.
18th November 1558
Mary is dead and THE LADY ELIZABETH IS QUEEN! Oh, I am so excited! One thing I know is that before her coronation, the Queen must spend at least one night in the Tower of London. Surely, this time, when she is here without guards and moving about freely, surely this time I may make my curtsey and give her the letter? I will keep it on me always, just in case, tucked into my bodice.
Now the burnings will stop, I am sure. One thing is certain: England will be Protestant once more (how we do bounce back and forth!) and Frances thinks that the Lady — no, Queen Elizabeth will let people worship the Lord as they wish, whether Protestant or Catholic. I like that idea. Which will I be? I scarcely know myself.
21st November 1558
We are told that when Mary’s ring was taken to Princess Elizabeth at Hatfield and she realized she was now queen, she knelt and said, “This is the Lord’s doing. It is marvellous in our eyes.” She actually said it in Latin, which I do not know, but William told me what it meant. I think she must have been very relieved indeed. At last she is free of the threat of being imprisoned. Or worse.
From My Story: Bloody Tower. Copyright © 2001 by Jim Derrickson
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