ELVETHAM HOTEL
The Domesday Book references Elvetham. In 1426 it was the home of the Seymour
family and was passed on via succession. Edward Seymour the 1st Duke of Somerset,
was the eldest brother of Jane Seymour who became the third Queen consort of Henry
VIII in 1536, later she bore him a child who was to become Edward VI.
Jane's other brother Thomas, married Catherine Parr who later went on to become
Henry VIII's sixth wife. Edward Seymour's political career improved due to his
sister's marriage and he became the Earl of Hertford. Jane's ten year old son was
too young to rule after Henry VIII's death and Edward was appointed Council of
Regency as Protector of the Realm to help the young king Edward VI rule. The Earl
of Hertford had great influence over the young king who went onto make him Duke of
Somerset.
The Duke of Somerset bigamously married the younger sister of Lady Jane Grey who
was a possible heir to the throne. The Duke was imprisoned in the tower of London
for this as the couple had not received Queen Elizabeth's permission to marry. In
an effort to regain favour after his release and to legitimise his children he
entertained Queen Elizabeth at Elvetham. The lavish entertainment gala lasted for
four days. After his death William Seymour his grandson inherited Elvetham and
became Marquis of Hertford and Duke of Somerset...
Learn more about this 19th Century mansion
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