Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour was the third wife of King Henry VIII of England. She was born in about 1509, the daughter of Sir John Seymour of Wiltshire.

After serving as a lady in waiting to both Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, Henry's first two queens, Jane caught the king's eye. His desire to marry her made him eager to believe the false accusations of adultery against Anne. He married Jane on May 30, 1536 only a few days after Anne's execution, and she quickly became pregnant, providing him with the male heir he craved. However, she died on October 24, 1537, at Hampton Court Palace, shortly after giving birth to the future King Edward VI of England on October 12, 1537. She was buried at Windsor.

Jane's two ambitious brothers, Thomas and Edward, used her memory to improve their own fortunes. After King Henry's death, Thomas married his widow, Catherine Parr and even had designs on the future Queen Elizabeth I of England. In the reign of the young King Edward VI, Edward Seymour set himself up as protector and effective ruler of the kingdom. Both brothers eventually fell from power and were disgraced and executed.

Previous: Anne Boleyn

Wives of Henry VIII

Next: Anne of Cleves

---

Jane Seymour is also the stage name of a popular actress.