The Book of Common Prayer by Brian Cummings

For such women, the month following a birth was a joyous time of thanksgiving, and a time to be removed of “uncleanliness.” What became known as “the churching of women” was an ancient practice within England (and indeed, one that existed throughout early modern Europe) that dated well before pre-Reformation times. Today, Jane’s death should serve as a reminder of the perils women faced during pregnancy, and of the need to express thanks for those who made it through the myriad of troubles that could occur during childbirth. The fever was a fact of life until the advent of modern medicine, and was just one of many complications that could go wrong with the birth of a child. This sickness, properly known as puerperal fever, was often caused by unsanitary conditions during the delivery of a child. On October 24, 1537, Jane Seymour died of childbed fever.

This date is celebrated as Candlemas, which also marks the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin The Presentation of Christ at the Temple by Hans Holbein the Elder.

The Book of Common Prayer by Brian Cummings