The date is February 1554. Queen Mary is on the throne.

Jane is a prisoner in the Tower and looking for new ways to pass the time so decides to have lessons to improve her chess game.

It's true that that history of chess is as described as are the rules. Jane really was effectively 'sold' to Admiral Seymour but he wanted her married to King Edward, his nephew. The story about him shooting a dog, is true. Northumberland then decided Jane should marry his son instead.

It's true that she didn't want to be the heir to the crown over Elizabeth and Mary and got ill when she was told. But she had no choice. The story about her Father getting out of leading her armies is true. It's true that pretty much everyone deserted her in the end. Her father did indeed break the bad news to her. Her parents pushed her under the bus really. The analogy of her being a pawn in a game of chess is an appropriate one.

She was not allowed to call witnesses or prepare her own defence at trial. She did indeed plead guilty. It's true that because her Father was considered a traitor, she was a liability. Jane did have an excellent memory.

If you want to find out more about Jane, check out the sources and places below:

Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey - Nicola Tallis

The Nine Days Queen: Lady Jane Grey and her Times - Richard Davey

Tower of London