On this day in 1536, Henry VIII and Jane Seymour were married.

Archbishop Cranmer officiated the private ceremony, which took place in the Queen’s Closet at Whitehall Palace. 

This wedding, Henry’s third, came just eleven days after the execution of his second wife, Anne Boleyn. I would give anything to know exactly what Jane felt on this day, as she stepped into the role that had killed her predecessor.

Following the ceremonies, Jane presided over the court for the first time, seated in the Queen’s chair beneath the canopy of royal estate. Later that day, Henry showered his new bride with gifts: 104 manors across four counties, along with numerous forests and hunting chases. These estates formed her jointure – the income that would support her during her marriage. 

Henry also presented Jane with a gold cup designed by Hans Holbein. The cup featured their entwined initials with a love knot, and Jane’s motto – “Bound to obey and serve” – appeared three times in the design.