Remembered for her obedience, Jane Seymour was noted for her blonde hair and pale skin. In almost every way she was in complete contrast to Anne Boleyn.
Birth and Early Years of Jane Seymour
Although the date of Jane Seymour's birth is debated, it is generally agreed that she was born in either 1507 or 1508. Jane's education was below the standard of the King's previous wives (although she could read and write) and she was known for her quiet manner.
Jane first attended court in 1532 as a lady in waiting to the then Queen Katharine. After Katharine was stripped of her title, Jane attended the new Queen Anne.
The Courtship of Jane Seymour
It is not known when Jane came to the attention of Henry VIII, but it is theorised that it was when he stayed at Jane's family home Wolf Hall in September 1535.
Rumours of the King's attention to Jane started in earnest in February 1536, although it was observed that she returned all of the gifts he sent her and that she refused to meet with the King alone.
Upon the death of Katharine of Aragon in January 1536, Henry was able to begin considering a marriage free from the speculation and scandal characterized by his second marriage.
Marriage and Motherhood
Jane and Henry became betrothed on 20th May 1536, the day after the execution of Anne Boleyn, marrying just ten days later.
On 4th June that year, Jane was officially appointed Queen consort, although she never had a coronation.
Rumours of a pregnancy started almost immediately, but one was not officially announced until 27th May 1537. In his announcement, chronicler Edward Hall describes much celebration throughout the streets of London and ends with the prayer "I pray Jesus, if it be his will, to send us a prince".On 12th October 1537, after a long and exhausting labour, Jane gave birth to a boy. Three days later, the boy was christened Edward, in the presence of both of his half sisters, with Mary serving as Godmother.
Throughout her short marriage, Jane worked hard to reunite Henry and his oldest daughter Mary and had even attempted to have Mary reinstated as heir behind her own child. It is also thought that by allowing Elizabeth to attend the christening of her son, Jane was attempting to restore her to the King's affections.
The Reign of Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour had an incredible effect on the Royal court. Her participation in affairs of state was limited (she had attempted to persuade the King to show mercy to those involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace–a religious rebellion against the relatively new Church of England–but was reminded of the fate of her predecessor) and she remained loyal to what was described as "the old faith" (the Catholic church).
Together with this, the French fashions and lively celebrations favoured by Anne Boleyn were banned and a strict code of dress was introduced for ladies of the court. Any breach of these codes resulted the offender being banned from appearing in the Queen's presence.
The Death of Jane Seymour
Just a day after the christening of her son, Jane Seymour was reported to be running a high fever and suffering from delirium. Despite being attended by Royal physicians, Jane Seymour died on 24th October 1537. It is thought her death was caused by puerperal fever.
It was believed at the time of her death that the Queen had died of complications resulting from a Caesarean section, but there is no evidence for this assumption.
Sources:
Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII, David Starkey, (Vintage; New edition edition, Mar 2004)
The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Antonia Fraser, (Phoenix; New Ed edition, Aug 2002)
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