King Edward died at Greenwich, on the 6th July 1553, “towards night.” a The event was kept perfectly secret during the next day; but measures were taken to occupy and fortify the Tower of London On “the 8. of July the lord maior of London was sent for to the court then at Greenwich, to bring with him sixe aldermen, as many merchants of the staple, and as many merchant adventurers, unto whom by the Councell was secretly declared the death of king Edward, and also how hee did ordaine for the succession of the Crowne by his letters pattents, to the which they were sworne, and charged to keep it secret.”