When Edward VI died in the seventh year of his reign, the Duke of Northumberland was anxious to keep the young King's death a secret in order to get his two sisters Mary and Elizabeth into his power. Mary, the legitimate heir to the thrown was warned of the Duke's plan, and sought the protection of the Earl of Arundel at Norfolk. Edward however, had signed a paper, appointing his cousin, the Lady Jane Gray, daughter-in-law of the Duke of Northumberland, as his successor - which was opposed by many.