Portrait of King Edward VI

Edward VI was born at Hampton Court on 12 October 1537, his mother, Jane Seymour, dying only twelve days later. The heir to the throne, ‘His Majesty’s most noble jewel’, was brought up with every precaution to ensure his good health. Recent research reveals him as a normally strong and healthy boy, fond of athletic exercises such as hunting and hawking.

Edward was little more than nine when he succeeded to the throne on the death of his father in 1547. In April 1552, he suffered from measles and smallpox, recovering by the end of May, and thereafter he was very much under the influence of the Duke of Northumberland. However, early in 1553, Edward became ill (possibly with consumption), from which he never recovered. At this time, the Duke of Northumberland convinced Edward to ‘devise’ the succession to Lady Jane Grey, Northumberland’s daughter-in-law. Edward died on 6 July 1553 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.