History Lesson: Jane Seymour

Image created using cover art of the novel, drawing by Hayes

Quick Facts:
Born: 1508
Died: October 24th 1537
Reign: May 30th 1536 – October 24th 1537
Motto: Bound to Obey and Serve
Parents: John Seymour and Margery Wentworth
Siblings: John (died young), Edward, Henry, Thomas, John (died young), Anthony (died young) Margery (died young), Dorothy and Elizabeth

Appearance:
It is said that people had nothing really super praising regarding her appearance, they often focuses on her virtue then appearance. Contemporaries said that she was of middle stature and no great beauty. She had the desired pale complexion but said it was too pale at time. She had a large nose, small eyes and compressed lips. I read somewhere (where escapes me) that it was said the more adorned with rich fabrics and jewelry the more beautiful she became. She also had light colored hair

Personality:
Whether or not her personality was really what everyone stated her to be in her lifetime is debatable. Everyone, even now compares her as being the complete opposite of Anne. Quiet, obedient, gentle, sweet, and submissive. But most people tend to pass over the fact that she also reached for the crown, regardless if her family forced her to do so. She also had to be brave enough to go through with the task. She also had to be ambitious, and a little naive. We do not know much of Jane since her time as queen was very short, she is just a small pen stroke in the life of Henry. (though he claimed she was his one true love- but we know better)

(NEXT SECTION WILL BE A TON OF PARAPHRASING!!!! JUST A QUICK SYNOPSIS IF YOU WILL)

Mother to the King

Eugène Devéria – The death of Jane Seymour©Museum of Valence Valence, photo Éric Caillet

Unfortunately for Jane, she will always be remembered as the one and only wife who gave a living son to Henry. She will be remembered fondly by Henry for that fact, and it seemed that he mourned her appropriately but did he really mourn her? or did he mourn “could have been” more children?

Jane, was born to a moderately mild man, his oldest son Edward was more of the ambitious one and thrust himself headfirst into rising through the ranks of court. History doesn’t have much information on what sort of man her father John was. Though there was a huge (hushed up) scandal regarding John and his eldest son. Edward disowned his eldest sons, because he believed them to be his half brothers, that his first wife Catherine was unfaithful to him. (little did Edward know that those sons would be the most loyal to him). Thankfully this was the only scandal that touched on this family. They went on like nothing had happened.

Jane was once almost betrothed to a William Dormer, but his mother decided that the Seymours were far beneath their family and nothing came of it. Strangely, neither John or Edward sought out any more possible husbands for Jane, and her little sisters were married before her. Leaving Jane to possibly be the “spinster aunt” Her sister Elizabeth was supposed to be the great beauty in the family, and Dorothy not to far behind. . .so that poses the question. What was wrong with Jane? Either way, Jane came to court, there is some debate on when, and there is some debate that Jane was even at France with Anne Boleyn for a time. You can say though that in regards to Henry’s former wives, Jane was not as educated but that did not mean she was stupid. She had many years in court watching Katherine and Anne. Watching their interactions with the King and his reactions. When Anne opened the door to becoming a Queen on the mere whim of Henry, she waited and you could say plotted along with her brothers. When Anne’s star began to descend, Jane took her chance and some how was “the marrying type” to Henry. He wooed her and she took a page out of Anne’s book. She denied his gifts, did not open his letters (at first), and said she wanted a husband but was flattered. She did this quietly, and demurely. She did not demand presents or prestige. She became the opposite of the now queen and was a success. Anne lost her head and Jane was queen.

Jane did nothing of note as queen during her brief time, again she was here and gone so quickly. Jane did make a minor mistake for trying to stand up for the leaders of the Pilgrimage of Faith and was quickly shot down and was told to remember those before her. She was successful in reuniting Mary and her father, but what if she lived? Would she have been more successful in her secret endeavors? We will not know in this timeline. . perhaps in a different universe she was. . Ah my curious mind does wonder.

There is so many books, articles, and documentaries regarding Anne. Like I mentioned in the Katherine of Aragon post (lets just say in every post regarding the Tudor Wives) , I am not particularly fond of David Starkey but there are other great gems out there. Lucy Worsley is a good one, she is a wonderful watch and funny.

BOOKS!
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