While imprisoned, the real Guilford Dudley carved the name "Jane" inside his cell at the Tower of London. It can still be seen today.
Cary Elwes is related to Guilford Dudley and Lady Jane Grey (on his father's side). Because Dudley and Grey never had children, Elwes is the direct descendant to Dudley and Grey's siblings: Mary Dudley, Guilford's sister, and Katherine Grey, Jane's sister, who was also the wife of Edward Seymour.
Sixteen-year-old Lady Jane Grey, grand niece of King Henry VIII, sat on the English throne for nine days in 1553. She is rarely referred to as Queen Jane.
Lady Jane Grey was the daughter of Henry Grey and Frances Brandon. She was born October 15, 1537 at Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, and married Lord Guildford Dudley on May 21, 1553. On July 10, 1553, her father-in-law, The Duke of Northumberland, proclaimed her Queen of England. On July 19, 1553, Mary I arrived in London, and Lady Jane was arrested. Mary I was crowned Queen on October 1, 1553. Lady Jane was executed on February 12, 1554 at the Tower of London, aged sixteen years, three months, and twenty-eight days. She was buried at the Chapel Royal in London, England.
This movie portrayed Jane as a dark eyed, dark haired girl when in actuality, Lady Jane Grey was very fair, with blonde hair and light eyes. She was described as very pleasant looking, except for her freckles, which were considered unbecoming on a young lady at the time.