Edward Seymour, Lord Beauchamp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edward Seymour |
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| Baron Beauchamp of Hache (courtesy title) | |
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| Edward and his mother Lady Katherine Grey | |
| Spouse(s) | Honora Rogers |
| Issue | |
| Edward Seymour, Lord Beauchamp William Seymour, 2nd Duke of Somerset Francis Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Trowbridge Honora Seymour Anne Seymour Mary Seymour |
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| Noble family | Seymour |
| Father | Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford |
| Mother | Lady Katherine Grey |
| Born | 21 September 1561 Tower of London |
| Died | July 1612 |
Edward Seymour, Lord Beauchamp of Hache (born 21 September 1561 – died July 1612) was an English nobleman. He had a strong claim to the throne of England through his mother, Lady Katherine Grey. However, people questioned if he was legitimate. He is an ancestor of the dukes of Somerset, an important noble family.
Contents
Edward's Family Background
Edward Seymour was the son of Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford (1539–1621). His mother was Lady Katherine Grey (died 1568). Katherine was the younger sister of Lady Jane Grey, who was known as "The Nine Days' Queen."
Edward's grandfather was Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset. This Duke lost all his titles in 1552 during the reign of King Edward VI. However, Edward's father was later given new titles in 1559 by Queen Elizabeth I. He became Baron Beauchamp of Hache and Earl of Hertford. While his father was still alive, Edward was known by the special name "Lord Beauchamp." This was a courtesy title, meaning it was a polite way to refer to him as the heir.
Edward was born in the Tower of London. His mother was imprisoned there because she secretly married his father. Queen Elizabeth I did not approve of their marriage. For many years, people questioned if Edward was legitimate. This was because there was no proof that his parents had officially married.
Claim to the Throne
By 1603, Edward was the main heir according to the will of King Henry VIII. This will said that the older royal family line, from Margaret Tudor, should be skipped. Instead, the throne should go to the younger line, from Mary Tudor, Queen of France, King Henry's younger sister.
If Edward had been considered fully legitimate, he would have been the next king. He would have been "King Edward VII." This would have meant that England and Scotland would not have joined under one ruler at that time. However, King James VI of Scotland became the next king of England instead. Queen Elizabeth I never officially ignored her father's will, but James still became king.
Marriage and Children
Edward married Honora Rogers. She was the daughter of Sir Richard Rogers of Bryanston, Dorset. Sir Richard was a knight who represented Dorset in Parliament.
Edward and Honora had three sons and three daughters:
- Edward Seymour, Lord Beauchamp (1586–1618). He married Lady Anne Sackville. He died before his grandfather, the 1st Earl of Hertford, and had no children.
- William Seymour, 2nd Duke of Somerset (1588–1660). He later became the 2nd Earl of Hertford. In 1660, he got back the title of Duke, which his great-grandfather had held.
- Francis Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Trowbridge (c. 1590 – 1664). He lived at Marlborough Castle. He was the grandfather of two future Dukes of Somerset: Francis Seymour, 5th Duke of Somerset and Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset.
- Honora Seymour (before 1594 – 1620). She married Sir Ferdinando Sutton.
- Anne Seymour
- Mary Seymour
Death and Succession
Edward Seymour, Lord Beauchamp, died before his father, the 1st Earl of Hertford. So, his eldest son, Edward Seymour, also known as Lord Beauchamp, took on the courtesy title. However, this younger Edward also died before his grandfather.
Because of this, it was Edward's second son, William Seymour, who became the Earl of Hertford in 1621. Later, in 1660, William was also restored as the 2nd Duke of Somerset.
Edward's monumental brass (a type of memorial) can still be seen in St Mary's Church, Great Bedwyn. It has a Latin inscription that means: "I was Beauchamp, a Seymour, by my mother Grey. I have had three sons, and one sister."
Images for kids
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Arms of Seymour: Two golden wings joined together on a red shield.
