John Seymour (died 1491) facts for kids

Arms of Seymour: Gules, two wings conjoined in lure or

John Seymour lived from about 1450 to 1491. He was an important person in Wiltshire, England. He was in charge of Savernake Forest. John Seymour was the grandfather of Jane Seymour. She became the third wife of King Henry VIII. This made him the great-grandfather of King Edward VI.

Early Life and Family

John Seymour was the oldest of three sons. His father was also named John Seymour. His father was a Knight of the Shire and High Sheriff for Wiltshire. His mother was Elizabeth Coker.

John Seymour's father died before his own father. So, in 1464, John Seymour inherited his grandfather's lands. These lands were in places like Wulfhall and Huish in Wiltshire.

His Work as Warden

John Seymour was the warden of Savernake Forest. This meant he was in charge of protecting the forest. He also managed its boundaries. He worked hard to make sure the forest's old borders were respected.

In 1485, he received special permission. This allowed him to confirm the forest's boundaries. He claimed the forest stretched from the Ridgeway in the west to Hungerford in the east.

In 1489, John Seymour inherited more lands. These included manors like West Bower and Moorland in Somerset. He received them after his cousin, Margaret Coker, passed away.

Family Life

John Seymour was married two times. His first wife was Elizabeth Darrell. She was the daughter of Sir George Darrell. With Elizabeth, John Seymour had four sons and four daughters.

Their children included:

• Sir John Seymour (1474–1536). He was knighted in 1497. He was the father of Jane Seymour, who became Queen.
• Sir George Seymour. He was the Sheriff of Wiltshire in 1498.
• Sir William Seymour (about 1478 – about 1503).
• Margaret Seymour (born about 1468). She married Sir Nicholas Wadham.
• Jane Seymour (born about 1469). She married John Huddlestone.
• Elizabeth Seymour (born about 1471). She married John Crofts.
• Catherine Seymour. She never married.

John Seymour's second wife was a daughter of Robert Hardon. They had one son together. His name was Roger Seymour (about 1480 – before 1509).