A Brother's Love – Jane Seymour and her ambitious brothers

Jane Seymour © Hans Holbein the Younger – The National Portrait Gallery

Jane Seymour, the third wife of King Henry VIII, was a significant figure in English history, not only because she gave birth to the long-awaited male heir, Edward VI, but also because of the relationships she maintained with her family. The dynamics between Jane and her siblings offer an intriguing glimpse into the complex webs of family loyalty, rivalry, and social ambition at the Tudor court. Furthermore, the legacy of her siblings after her death is a fascinating tale of how they navigated their newfound positions of power and status through her marriage to the King.

The Seymour Family: Jane’s Background

Before examining her relationships with her siblings, it is essential to understand the context of Jane Seymour’s background. She was born around 1509, the daughter of Sir John Seymour, a prominent member of the English gentry, and Margery Wentworth. The Seymour family had noble roots, but they were not as high in the aristocracy as families like the Howards or Boleyns. However, the Seymour children were raised with the expectation of advancing their family’s position in English society.

Jane had at least four siblings—three brothers and a sister—who would play vital roles in the family’s fortune after her marriage to Henry VIII. These siblings were Edward Seymour, Thomas Seymour, Henry Seymour, and Elizabeth Seymour.

Jane Seymour and Edward Seymour: A Strong Family Bond

 Portrait of Edward Seymour as 1st Earl of Herford (cr.1537), wearing the Collar of the Order of the Garter by an unknown artist

Edward Seymour, Jane’s older brother, was the most influential of her siblings and arguably one of the greatest beneficiaries of Jane’s marriage to Henry VIII. Edward had been pursuing a career in the royal court before his sister’s ascension to the royal family, but his trajectory changed dramatically once Jane became the queen consort.

Edward Seymour was appointed to several important positions after his sister’s marriage, most notably becoming the Duke of Somerset. In 1547, after the death of Henry VIII, Edward Seymour was named Lord Protector of the young King Edward VI, Jane’s son. This was a remarkable rise for a man who had once been a relatively obscure nobleman. His proximity to power was largely due to his sister’s royal marriage, but it also showed his political acumen and his ability to seize upon opportunities when they presented themselves.

The relationship between Jane and Edward seems to have been characterised by mutual support. Jane’s position as queen consort undoubtedly brought benefits to her family, and Edward’s support of his sister was crucial during her marriage to Henry. As queen, Jane was more than just a consort; she was a figure who could help elevate the status of her family. Though Edward may have been more politically ambitious than Jane herself, the two shared a common goal: the elevation of the Seymour name.

After Jane’s death, Edward Seymour’s loyalty to his nephew, King Edward VI, was evident, and his stewardship as Lord Protector solidified the Seymour family’s place at the center of English politics. His prominence in government and his rise to the title of Duke of Somerset reflect the power that Jane’s marriage had conferred upon him.

Jane Seymour and Thomas Seymour: A More Complex Relationship

Portrait by Nicolas Denisot, 1547

Thomas Seymour, Jane’s younger brother, presents a more complicated figure in her life. Known for his charm and flamboyance, Thomas was less politically focused than Edward. He did, however, gain a position of influence through his marriage to Catherine Parr, the widow of Henry VIII, making him the stepfather to the future Queen Elizabeth I.

Thomas’s relationship with Jane was likely affected by the political and social dynamics of the time. While Jane’s marriage to Henry VIII elevated the family’s status, Thomas’s ambitions often seemed to overshadow those of his siblings. Thomas was known to have had a volatile personality, and there were rumours that he engaged in some rivalry with his older brother, Edward. He was, however, ambitious enough to see his sister’s marriage as a means of advancing his own position.

After Jane’s death, Thomas’s political ambitions took a darker turn. He attempted to seize control of his nephew Edward VI’s court, but his efforts were met with resistance from the more politically savvy members of the Seymour family, especially Edward, who was the de facto head of the family. In 1549, Thomas’s conduct led to his downfall. He was accused of treason for plotting to marry Elizabeth I, and he was executed. His death left a stain on the Seymour family, and while his personal relationship with Jane remains unclear, it is evident that his ambition caused rifts within the family after her death.

Jane Seymour and Her Other Brother: A Quiet Life in the Shadow

Not much is known about Jane’s relationship with her other brother, Henry. Henry Seymour, like his brothers, benefitted from Jane’s royal marriage, though he did not rise to the prominence that Edward or Thomas did. He was largely involved in administrative roles rather than high-profile political positions. However, his position was undoubtedly elevated as a result of his sister’s status.

Sibling Rivalry: Tensions After Jane’s Death

While Jane’s marriage to Henry VIII certainly enhanced the status of her family, it also led to tensions and rivalries, especially after her death. Edward and Thomas Seymour, in particular, were in constant competition for power and influence. Edward’s rise as Lord Protector of his nephew, Edward VI, was a clear reflection of his political skill and his ability to consolidate power. In contrast, Thomas Seymour’s more brash and less disciplined approach to politics alienated many of his allies, including his own family.

The rivalry between the two brothers was partly due to their differing temperaments and ambitions. Edward was more reserved and calculating, while Thomas was brash and impulsive. The brothers’ differing personalities and ambitions inevitably led to friction, especially after Jane’s death, when both sought to shape the future of the Seymour family.

The Legacy of the Seymour Family

The Seymour family’s fortunes were inextricably linked to Jane’s marriage to Henry VIII. Her siblings, especially Edward, used her marriage as a springboard to political power. Edward’s rise to Lord Protector and his control over the English court after the death of Henry VIII ensured that the Seymour name was firmly entrenched in the annals of English history.

However, the success of the Seymour family was not without its costs. The rivalry between Edward and Thomas Seymour created lasting fractures in the family. While Jane’s marriage to Henry VIII had initially united her family, the legacy of her death left behind a tale of ambition, rivalry, and tragedy. Her siblings’ actions and their quest for power after her death revealed the complexities of sibling relationships in the cutthroat world of Tudor politics.