At two o’clock in the morning on Friday 12th October 1537, St Edward’s Day, Jane Seymour finally gave birth to the future King Edward VI after a long and tiring 30 hour labour. Henry VIII had a legitimate son and heir at long last!
Church bells around London pealed in celebration, parish churches around the country sang the Te Deum, bonfires were lit, the city merchants gave out fruit and wine, German merchants gave wine and beer to the poor, and the happiest of days was ended by two thousand rounds being fired into the sky from the Tower of London. It was a day of celebration, not only for Henry and Jane but also for the country.
You can read more about Edward’s birth in my article “Happy Birthday Edward VI” and the astrology surrounding his birth in Robert Parry’s article “Happy Birthday Edward VI – Venus and Saturn in Conjunction” over at The Elizabeth Files.
Notes and Sources
- Edward VI: The Lost King of England, Chris Skidmore, p14 of UK paperback edition
