John Smith and the Seymours: Questions Unanswered

     Recovering from the serious injury he suffered when a gunpowder bag exploded upriver from Jamestown in 1609, Smith sailed back to England. His whereabouts for some time thereafter are unknown.

 Some clues:

     Edward Seymour, lst Earl of Hertford, 1^st Baron Beauchamp (1539-1621) was said to be Smith’s “best friend.” The Earl was the nephew of Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII.

     Smith dedicated his 1612 pamphlet, A Map of Virginia, to Edward Seymour. Seymour's wife was Frances Howard (1578-1639), a great beauty,  only two years older than John Smith. Her husband was 37 years older than she.

     Did Smith stay with this couple during his convalescence?  

    

     A fascinating question.