19 Facts About Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour became queen following the execution of Henry's second wife, Anne Boleyn.

Jane Seymour died of postnatal complications less than two weeks after the birth of her only child, the future King Edward VI.

Jane Seymour was the only wife of Henry to receive a queen's funeral or to be buried beside him in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Jane, the daughter of Sir John Seymour and Margery Wentworth, was most likely born at Wulfhall, Wiltshire, although West Bower Manor in Somerset has been suggested.

Jane Seymour shared a great-grandmother, Elizabeth Cheney, with his second and fifth wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

Jane Seymour could read and write a little, but was much better at needlework and household management, which were considered much more necessary for women.

Jane Seymour's needlework was reportedly beautiful and elaborate; some of it survived as late as 1652, when it is recorded to have been given to the Seymour family.

Jane Seymour was highly praised for her gentle, peaceful nature, being called as "gentle a lady as ever I knew" by John Russell and "the Pacific" by the Imperial Ambassador Eustace Chapuys, for her peacemaking efforts at court.

Jane Seymour's well-publicised sympathy for the late Queen Catherine and her daughter Mary showed her to be compassionate and made her a popular figure with the common people and most of the courtiers.

Jane Seymour was never crowned because of plague in London, where the coronation was to take place.

Jane Seymour's only reported involvement in national affairs, in 1536, was when she asked for pardons for participants in the Pilgrimage of Grace.

Jane Seymour put forth much effort to restore Mary to court and to the royal succession, behind any children she might have with Henry.

Jane Seymour brought up the issue of Mary's restoration both before and after she became queen.

Jane Seymour was the only legitimate son of Henry VIII to survive infancy.

Jane Seymour's labour had been difficult, lasting two days and three nights, probably because the baby was not well positioned.

Jane Seymour was the only one of Henry's wives to receive a queen's funeral.

Jane Seymour married Anne of Cleves two years later, although marriage negotiations were tentatively begun soon after Jane's death.

Jane Seymour put on weight during his widowerhood, becoming obese and swollen and developing diabetes and gout.

Jane Seymour gave the King the son he so desperately desired, helped to restore Mary to the succession and her father's affections, and used her influence to bring about the advancement of her family.