Edmund Tudor, Duke of Somerset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edmund Tudor |
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| Duke of Somerset | |
Detail of a painting showing the family of Henry VII, c. 1509.
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| Born | 21 February 1499 Greenwich Palace, Kent, England |
| Died | 19 June 1500 (aged 1) Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, England |
| Burial | Westminster Abbey |
| House | Tudor |
| Father | Henry VII of England |
| Mother | Elizabeth of York |
Edmund Tudor was an English prince who lived a very short life. He was born on February 21, 1499, and passed away on June 19, 1500. Edmund was the sixth child of King Henry VII of England and his wife, Elizabeth of York. Even though he was called the Duke of Somerset from birth, he was never officially given this title.
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Prince Edmund's Early Life
Edmund Tudor was born at Greenwich Palace in Kent. This was a grand royal home. He was baptized (a special church ceremony) just a few days later. His christening party was very fancy! He was named Edmund after his grandfather, Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond. This grandfather was the father of King Henry VII.
Edmund's godparents were important people. They included his grandmother, Lady Margaret Beaufort, and two powerful men, Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Richard Foxe. Lady Margaret Beaufort gave a large gift of £100 for her new grandson.
Young Edmund spent time in the royal nursery at Eltham Palace. This was where he lived with his older sisters, Margaret and Mary. His brother, who would later become King Henry VIII, also lived there. Their oldest brother, Arthur, was older and had his own household.
In September 1499, two famous scholars visited the nursery. They were Erasmus and Thomas More. Seven-month-old Edmund was held by his nurse during this visit.
The Title of Duke of Somerset
Edmund was known as the Duke of Somerset. However, there are no official records that show he was ever formally made a duke. It seems he was called by this title, but he died before it could be made official. His older brother, Henry, who became King Henry VIII, was not made Duke of York until he was over three years old. This shows that royal titles were sometimes given later.
Prince Edmund's Death
Prince Edmund died on June 19, 1500. He was only 15 months old. He passed away at the Old Palace in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. We don't know exactly why Edmund died. Many childhood illnesses were common back then. It is known that a serious illness, the plague, was spreading at the time of his death.
To keep their children safe from the illness, King Henry and Queen Elizabeth moved them. They sent the royal children from Eltham Palace to the safer Hatfield House. This house was more remote, meaning it was further away from busy areas. The King and Queen had traveled to Calais and were away for about 40 days. When they returned, they received the sad news of Edmund's death at Hatfield.
Prince Edmund's Funeral
Edmund was given a special state funeral. This means it was a very important and formal burial. Records show that the King spent over £242 on Edmund's burial. This was a lot of money at the time.
Edmund was buried in Westminster Abbey on June 22, 1500. He rests near his sisters, Elizabeth and Katherine Tudor. Both of them also died when they were very young.
