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Name: Jane Seymour
Lifetome: 1508 – October 24, 1537
What she’s known for: As the third wife of Henry VIII, Jane Seymour is also believed to have been the most beloved by the king.
Why we love her: Seymour was of more humble origins and far less educated than both her predecessors Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, but she was admired for her skills at needlework and running the household.
She served as a maid-of-honor to Catherine and Anne, and Henry’s first interest in her is recorded in early 1536. Part of the reason Henry fell in love with Jane was because she was so dissimilar to Anne. She was demure, generous and rebuffed his early attempts of wooing her with gifts.
The couple was betrothed just one day after Anne’s execution and shortly thereafter she was pronounced queen consort.
She ran a strict and formal court and tried to remove any lasting effects of Anne’s tenure as queen. She was nicknamed the “Pacific” for her peaceful nature and her ability to resolve conflicts at court.
On October 12, 1537, Jane gave birth to the future King Edward VI. He was the only legitimate son of Henry that would survive infancy. However, Jane’s labor – lasting two nights and three days – was not an easy one. By the time the child was born, it became clear to her physicians and midwives that she was seriously ill. She died days later on October 24.
Fun fact: Jane was Henry’s favorite wife because she did what the others could not: She gave birth to a male heir. She would be the only one of Henry’s wives to be given a queen’s funeral. After her death, Henry would not marry for three years and upon his death, Henry was buried beside her.
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