England’s overlooked queen

I enjoyed the article on Jane Seymour ( Books interview, June). Jane has often been overlooked, despite the fact she lived through some of the most turbulent events in England’s history. She is often thought of as boring because she was so reserved but I believe she had a mind and personality of her own. She was brave and stood up for what she believed in, but also knew when not to push her husband, Henry VIII.

I don’t believe she was responsible for Anne Boleyn’s death. I believe that Jane thought the marriage would be annulled and Anne sent off to a convent. No one, except perhaps Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell, saw her execution coming.

I always enjoy new interpretations of Jane in fiction. I hope these will encourage other historians to look back and produce more books on one of England’s most mysterious queens. Carol-Ann Johnston, Carlisle