Queen Jane Seymour was 29 years old when she died. Her death occurred on October 24, 1537, at Hampton Court Palace, barely 12 days after she gave birth to Prince Edward, the future Edward VI.
Her Age and The Circumstances of Her Passing
Jane Seymour, the third wife of King Henry VIII and the only one to bear him a surviving male heir, died at a relatively young age. Her passing is a significant event in English history, marking the end of Henry VIII's quest for a legitimate male successor and the beginning of a period of mourning for the king, who reportedly considered her his true love.
While the exact cause has been debated by historians, the prevailing belief is that she succumbed to complications following childbirth.
- Childbed Fever: Many modern historians attribute her death to puerperal fever, commonly known as childbed fever. This was a severe infection often caused by poor hygiene during labor and delivery, which was a widespread issue in the 16th century due to a lack of understanding of germ theory.
- Other Theories: Some historians also suggest other post-birth complications or even food poisoning as potential contributing factors to her rapid decline after giving birth.
Key Facts About Jane Seymour's Death
To provide a clear overview of the circumstances surrounding Queen Jane Seymour's death, here are the key facts:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 29 years old |
| Date of Death | October 24, 1537 |
| Location of Death | Hampton Court Palace |
| Cause of Death | Believed to be childbed fever (puerperal fever) or other post-birth complications; some suggest food poisoning. |
| Time After Childbirth | Barely 12 days after giving birth to Prince Edward |
Jane Seymour's death left King Henry VIII with a male heir, but it also ended his shortest and arguably happiest marriage. Her legacy remains tied to her role as the mother of Edward VI and her untimely demise.
