Lady Psyche: The Enigma of Lady Jane Rochford and the Armillary Sphere

In the annals of history, the Tudor era is a period of intrigue, romance, and tragedy. Among the many fascinating figures who graced the court of Henry VIII, Lady Jane Rochford stands out as an enigmatic and enigmatic character. Known as "Lady Psyche," she was a woman of beauty, intelligence, and ambition who found herself entangled in a web of political machinations and personal betrayals.

The Early Life of Jane Rochford

Lady Psyche (The Armillary Sphere, Story of Lady Jane Rochford Book 2)

by G. Lawrence

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Language	:	English
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Jane Rochford was born around 1505 to Sir Thomas Parr and Maud Green. Her father was a minor knight, but her mother was a close relative of Queen Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and final wife. This connection to the royal family gave Jane a degree of influence and social standing.

Jane received an excellent education, befitting her station. She was well-versed in literature, music, and foreign languages. She was also known for her beauty and charm, qualities that later attracted the attention of King Henry VIII.

Lady Psyche and the Armillary Sphere

In 1536, Lady Jane Rochford married George Boleyn, Lord Rochford. George was the brother of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. The marriage was a political alliance, designed to strengthen the Boleyn family's position at court.

Shortly after her marriage, Lady Jane Rochford became involved in a scandal that would forever change her life. She was accused of having an affair with Henry VIII. The king was infatuated with Jane, and he was reportedly seen giving her an armillary sphere, a valuable astronomical instrument, as a token of his affection.

The affair was never proven, but the accusations against Jane Rochford caused great damage to her reputation. She was imprisoned in the Tower of London and subjected to intense interrogation. Despite being tortured, Jane never confessed to any wrongng.

The Trial and Execution of Lady Jane Rochford

In May 1536, Lady Jane Rochford was tried and convicted of treason. The charges against her included adultery, witchcraft, and conspiracy against the king. She was sentenced to death by beheading.

On July 13, 1536, Jane Rochford was executed on Tower Green. She met her fate with courage and dignity, declaring her innocence to the end. Her execution shocked the court and the nation.

The Enigma of Lady Psyche

The true nature of Lady Jane Rochford's relationship with Henry VIII remains a mystery to this day. Some historians believe that she was innocent of the charges against her, while others believe that she was guilty of treason. The armillary sphere that the king gave her has become a symbol of her enigmatic life and the secrets that she took to the grave.

Lady Jane Rochford has been immortalized in literature, art, and film. She is a fascinating and tragic figure who represents the darker side of the Tudor era. Her story is a reminder of the perils of ambition, the fragility of power, and the enduring allure of mystery.

Additional Information

• Jane Rochford is also known as Lady Psyche and Lady Jane Dudley.
• She was the first cousin of Queen Catherine Parr.
• She was accused of adultery with Henry VIII, witchcraft, and conspiracy against the king.
• She was tried and convicted of treason and executed on Tower Green on July 13, 1536.
• The armillary sphere that Henry VIII gave her is now on display in the British Museum.

Bibliography

* Fraser, Antonia. The Six Wives of Henry VIII. New York: Dell Publishing, 1993. * Weir, Alison. The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn. New York: Ballantine Books, 2009. * Ives, Eric. The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2005.

Lady Psyche (The Armillary Sphere, Story of Lady Jane Rochford Book 2)

by G. Lawrence

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2289 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	465 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE