Francis Bryan

The Life of Jane Seymour – Third Wife of Henry VIII

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Described by Polydore Vergil as “A woman of the utmost charm both in appearance and character” and Sir John Russell as, “the fairest of all his wives”. Eustace Chapuys described Jane as “of middle stature and no great beauty”. Jane was of a natural sweet-nature, unlike her predecessor Anne Boleyn and had also been considered virtuous. Before you continue reading, if you'd prefer, you can listen to the podcast of this article instead - just click the [More]

Men Behaving Badly: Lord Lisle and Sir Francis Bryan

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Sometimes while doing research you will come across a little treasure that you never knew existed. This has happened to me quite often but this time what I found truly caught me by surprise, made me blush and left me wondering what the event or events were that provoked this letter. I can figure out the rough year of this letter by the mention of the marriage of the Duke of Orleans and the niece of the Pope, which references the future Henri II of France and Catherine de [More]

Sir Francis Bryan: Vicar of Hell

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Born about 1490 to Margaret Bourchier and Thomas Bryan, Francis was the oldest of two surviving children. His sister, Elizabeth was married Nicholas Carew. Through his mother he was related to Anne Boleyn and this is most likely why he helped to promote Henry's matrimonial causes with the French and papal courts. His mother, Margaret Bourchier was half-sister with Elizabeth Boleyn (née Howard) - mother to Anne and wife to Thomas Boleyn. Francis Bryan: Timeline In 1513, a [More]