Jane Seymour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jane Seymour |
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Portrait c. 1536 – c. 1537
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| Queen consort of England | |
| Tenure | 30 May 1536 – 24 October 1537 |
| Proclamation | 4 June 1536 |
| Born | c. 1508 probably Wulfhall, Wiltshire, England |
| Died | 24 October 1537 (aged 28–29) Hampton Court Palace, England |
| Burial | 12 November 1537 St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England |
| Spouse | |
| Issue | Edward VI |
| House | Seymour |
| Father | Sir John Seymour |
| Mother | Margery Wentworth |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
| Signature |  |
Jane Seymour was the third wife of King Henry VIII of England. She became Queen of England on May 30, 1536. Her marriage to the King followed the end of his marriage to Anne Boleyn. Jane was queen for a short time, until her death in October 1537. She passed away soon after giving birth to her only child, Prince Edward. This son later became King Edward VI. Jane Seymour was the only one of Henry VIII's wives to have a queen's funeral. King Henry VIII was later buried next to her.
Contents
Jane Seymour: Queen of England
Early Life and Family
Jane Seymour was the daughter of Sir John Seymour and Margery Wentworth. She was likely born around 1508 or 1509. Her family home was probably Wulfhall in Wiltshire, England. Jane was related to King Henry VIII. They were distant cousins, sharing a common ancestor.
Jane did not receive the same advanced education as some other queens. She could read and write a little. However, she was very skilled in needlework and managing a household. These were important skills for women at that time. Her embroidery was known to be very beautiful.
People described Jane as gentle and peaceful. John Russell, a nobleman, called her "as gentle a lady as ever I knew." She was also known for trying to bring peace to the royal court. Some people said she was not very beautiful. Others, like John Russell, thought she was "the fairest of all the King's wives." She was seen as kind, modest, and suitable to have many children.
Serving in the Royal Court
Jane Seymour worked as a lady-in-waiting at the royal court. This meant she served the Queen. Historians believe she first served Queen Catherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII's first wife. Later, she likely served Queen Anne Boleyn, Henry's second wife.
King Henry VIII was very eager to have a son to inherit his throne. Queen Anne Boleyn gave birth to a daughter, Princess Elizabeth (who later became Queen Elizabeth I). However, she did not have a son. This caused problems in her marriage to the King.
How Jane Met King Henry VIII
In late 1535, King Henry VIII and Queen Anne visited Wolf Hall. This was the home of the Seymour family. Jane's father was a favored courtier of the King. Jane was likely there to help her family host the royal couple. It was during this visit that King Henry VIII may have first noticed Jane.
By early 1536, King Henry VIII began sending Jane gifts. This showed he was interested in her. However, Jane politely returned the gifts and a letter from the King. She told his messenger that her "honour" was more important than any treasure. She asked the King to save his gifts for a time when she might have a proper marriage.
Jane's family likely advised her on how to respond to the King. They hoped she might become Queen. Her careful actions made the King even more interested in her. He then arranged for Jane and her brother Edward to live closer to him. This allowed the King to continue his courtship of Jane.
Marriage to King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII and Jane Seymour became engaged on May 20, 1536. They married just ten days later, on May 30, 1536, in London. As a wedding gift, the King gave her many lands and properties. She was officially announced as Queen on June 4, 1536.
Becoming Queen and Her Influence
Jane was known for her kindness, especially towards King Henry's first daughter, Princess Mary. This made her popular with the people. She was never crowned Queen, possibly because of a sickness in London. The King may also have waited until she had given birth to a son.
As Queen, Jane brought a more formal style to the court. She stopped the French fashions that had been popular. Her motto as Queen was Bound to obey and serve. Jane tried to help Princess Mary. She wanted Mary to be welcomed back to court and to be part of the royal family again. She succeeded in bringing Mary and Henry closer.
The Birth of Prince Edward
In January 1537, Queen Jane became pregnant. During her pregnancy, she had a special craving for quail. King Henry VIII made sure she received them. He asked his relatives in Calais to send some to her.
Jane spent her pregnancy quietly, cared for by royal doctors and midwives. On October 12, 1537, she gave birth to a son. This was the male heir King Henry VIII had wanted so much. The baby was named Edward, and he would later become King Edward VI.
Prince Edward was christened a few days later. His half-sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, were both there. Edward was the only legitimate son of Henry VIII to survive childhood.
Her Final Days and Legacy
Jane's labor was very difficult and lasted for several days. After Prince Edward's christening, it became clear that Jane was very ill. She passed away on October 24, 1537, at Hampton Court Palace. Her death was likely due to an infection or other complications after childbirth.
Jane's Burial and Henry's Grief
Jane Seymour was buried on November 12, 1537. Her funeral took place at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Her stepdaughter, Princess Mary, was the chief mourner. Jane was the only one of Henry VIII's wives to receive a queen's funeral.
After her death, King Henry VIII wore black clothes for three months. He was very sad. When Henry VIII died in 1547, he asked to be buried next to Jane.
What Happened to Her Family?
Jane gave King Henry VIII the son he wanted. She also helped Princess Mary reconnect with her father. Jane used her position to help her own family. Her brothers, Thomas and Edward Seymour, became very powerful. Edward Seymour became the Lord Protector when young King Edward VI ruled. Both brothers later lost their power and lives.
Royal Fashions and Possessions
Queen Jane Seymour had many beautiful jewels. These included gold pieces decorated with enamel and gems. An inventory of her belongings listed many items. These included gowns of rich fabrics like damask, velvet, and satin. She also owned cloaks, sleeves, and hats.
Jane was also known for her needlework. She embroidered a bed and a chair. These items were later given to her relative, William Seymour. She even owned small dolls, called "babies," dressed in fancy gowns. These might have been fashion dolls, showing the latest styles.
See also
In Spanish: Juana Seymour para niños
