Thomas Seymour Breaks into the King’s Residence

On this day in history, 16th January 1549, Thomas Seymour allegedly broke into Edward VI’s residence at Hampton Court Palace. It is said that as he entered the King’s apartments, he disturbed the King’s beloved spaniel who then barked at him. Seymour shot the dog, a noise which alerted a guard who then confronted him and captured him. Seymour was arrested and taken to the Tower of London.

Thomas Seymour was accused of trying to kidnap the King and also plotting to marry Edward’s half-sister, Elizabeth, and put her on the throne. All in all, he was charged with 33 separate accounts of treason and when his brother, Edward Seymour, Protector Somerset, could not bring himself to sign his death warrant, his nephew, Edward VI, could.

Thomas Seymour was executed on the 20th March 1549 and you can read more about his downfall and execution in The Execution of Thomas Seymour.

Related posts:

16 January 1549 – Thomas Seymour, the Young King and the Spaniel Thomas Seymour – A Man with Much Wit and Very Little Judgement Thomas Seymour’s Execution – 20 March 1549 The Execution of Thomas Seymour Thomas Seymour Thomas Seymour The Execution of Edward Seymour – 22nd January 1552 Catherine Parr and Thomas Seymour – Part Two Mary Seymour, Daughter of Catherine Parr and Thomas Seymour Catherine Parr and Thomas Seymour – Part One Execution of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset – 22 January 1552 Edward VI is Crowned King – 20 February 1547