Lord Edward Seymour (died 1593) facts for kids

Detail from of Seymour's effigy on the monument in Berry Pomeroy Church

Lord Edward Seymour (born around 1528 – died May 2, 1593) was an important knight from Berry Pomeroy, Devon, England. He held the position of Sheriff of Devon in 1583, which meant he was the chief law enforcement officer in the county. His father, Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, knighted him on the battlefield of Pinkie on September 10, 1547.

Life Story of Lord Edward Seymour

Lord Edward Seymour was the second son of Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset (who lived from about 1500 to 1552). His mother was Catherine Fillol. Because of some family decisions, Lord Edward and his brother from his mother's side were not able to inherit their father's main titles and lands. Instead, these went to his father's children from his second marriage. His older half-brother became the next Duke of Somerset.

In June 1553, Lord Edward received the manor of Berry Pomeroy in Devon. This included the famous Berry Pomeroy Castle.

Monument to Lord Edward Seymour and to his son and daughter-in-law, Berry Pomeroy Church

Lord Edward Seymour married Margaret Walshe. She was one of the daughters of John Walshe (who lived from about 1517 to 1572). John Walshe was an important person who served as a judge, called a Justice of the Common Pleas, in 1563. He was also a MP, meaning he was a member of the English Parliament. Lord Edward and Margaret had one son together, named Sir Edward Seymour, 1st Baronet (who died in 1613).

Monument in Berry Pomeroy Church

You can still see a special monument dedicated to Lord Edward Seymour today. It is located inside St Mary's Church, Berry Pomeroy. The monument stands against the north wall of the Seymour Chapel's north aisle. Some historians have different opinions about the monument's artistic style. One historian, Nikolaus Pevsner (writing in 1952), thought the carvings of the figures looked surprisingly simple. He wondered why the children of such an important person as Lord Protector Somerset would be happy with it. However, another historian, William George Hoskins (writing in 1959), called the monument "fine," meaning he thought it was very good.