Protector Somerset
| Edward Seymour | |
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Portrait of Edward Seymour as 1st Earl of Hertford (cr 1537), by unknown artist, Collection of Marquess of Bath, Longleat House, Wiltshire. The Latin inscription either side of his head is: "E(dwardus) SE(ymour) C(omes) HER(tfordiensis)" ("Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford"). He wears the chain of the Order of the Garter from which hangs the Great George.
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| Born | c. 1500 |
| Died | 22 January 1552 Tower Hill, London |
| Cause of death | Execution by decapitation |
| Resting place |
Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London, London, United Kingdom 51°30′31″N 0°04′37″W / 51.508611°N 0.076944°W |
| Title | 1st Duke of Somerset (1547) |
| Other titles |
1st Viscount Beauchamp of Hache (1536) |
| Nationality | English |
| Residence |
Somerset House, London Syon House, Isleworth, Middlesex Woodmancote Place, West Sussex |
| Wars and battles | French Wars, 1522–1524 The Rough Wooing Siege of Boulogne, 1544 Battle of Pinkie |
| Offices | Warden of the Scottish Marches Lord Great Chamberlain Lord High Treasurer Earl Marshal of England Lord Protector |
| Spouse(s) |
Catherine Fillol Anne Stanhope |
| Parents |
Sir John Seymour Margery Wentworth |
| Signature | |
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1st Viscount Beauchamp of Hache (1536)
1st Earl of Hertford (1537)
Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset KG (c. 1500 – 22 January 1552) was Lord Protector of England from 1547 until 1549 during the minority of his nephew, King Edward VI (1547-1553). He was the eldest brother of Queen Jane Seymour (d.1537), the third wife of King Henry VIII.
Edward Seymour was born c.1500, the son of Sir John Seymour (1474-1536) by his wife Margery Wentworth. In 1514, aged about 14, he received an appointment in the household of Mary Tudor, Queen of France.
When Seymour's sister, Jane, married King Henry VIII in 1536, he was created Viscount Beauchamp on 5 June 1536, and Earl of Hertford on 15 October 1537. He became Warden of the Scottish Marches and continued in royal favour after his sister's death on 24 October 1537.
Upon the death of Henry VIII (28 January 1547), Seymour's nephew became king as Edward VI. Henry VIII's will named sixteen executors, who were to act as Edward's Council until he reached the age of 18. These executors were supplemented by twelve men "of counsail" who would assist the executors when called on. The final state of Henry VIII's will has occasioned controversy. Some historians suggest that those close to the king manipulated either him or the will itself to ensure a shareout of power to their benefit, both material and religious. In this reading, the composition of the Privy Chamber shifted towards the end of 1546 in favour of the Protestant faction. In addition, two leading conservative Privy Councillors were removed from the centre of power. Stephen Gardiner was refused access to Henry during his last months. Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, found himself accused of treason; the day before the king's death his vast estates were seized, making them available for redistribution, and he spent the whole of Edward's reign in the Tower of London.
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