Character

Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Jane Seymour

Nan Seymour

discreet protective composed gracious affectionate

Wife of Edward Seymour and lady-in-waiting to Queen Jane Seymour; a female courtier with a protective and discreet demeanor. Also known as 'Nan Cobham' in some historical records, though primarily referred to as 'Nan Seymour' in the Wolf Hall series. Serves as a discreet and loyal figure in the Seymour household, interacting with key Tudor court figures.

8 appearances

Queen Jane Seymour's Household

Also known as: Anne Stanhope, Edward Seymour's wife, Nan Seymour, Nan Cobham

Nan Seymour's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

11 moments

S2E2 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 2

The Queen’s Delegated Cruelty: Cromwell’s Political Sacrifice

Neutral and cautious; she is fully attuned to the power dynamics but avoids drawing attention to herself, prioritizing the stability of the Seymour family over personal expression.

Nan Seymour sits quietly sewing with the other ladies, offering no direct dialogue or opposition. Her presence is passive, but her silence speaks volumes—she is fully aware of the tension …

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S2E2 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 2

Jane tests Cromwell’s court loyalty

Calm and attentive, with a quiet sense of duty. She is fully aware of the political undercurrents but remains focused on her role as a lady-in-waiting, providing silent support to the Queen.

Nan Seymour is present during the sewing and conversation, sitting quietly among Jane’s ladies-in-waiting. She contributes to the domestic atmosphere but does not speak or intervene in the exchange between …

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S2E2 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 2

Jane deflects blame to Cromwell

Quietly attentive, providing unspoken support to Jane. Her demeanor is one of quiet strength, reinforcing the collective loyalty of the ladies-in-waiting to their Queen.

Nan Seymour sits quietly sewing with Queen Jane and the other ladies-in-waiting. She contributes no dialogue or action, but her presence reinforces the domestic and familial support network surrounding Jane. …

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S2E3 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 3

Cromwell’s Gambit: The Pregnancy Announcement and the Seymours’ Feast

Proud and composed, with a sense of fulfillment in her role as a mother and member of the Seymour family.

Nan Seymour presents her newborn daughter to the court alongside Edward, her role largely ceremonial but symbolic of the Seymour family’s growing influence. She remains composed and proud, her presence …

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S2E3 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 3

Cromwell’s Calculated Triumph: The Pregnancy Gambit and the Weight of Legacy

Playful and slightly surprised, but aware of the strategic importance of the marriage proposal.

Bess Oughtred teases Cromwell about Holbein’s portrait and engages in lighthearted banter with Jane over quails. She is surprised but receptive when Cromwell proposes her marriage to Gregory, her playful …

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S2E3 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 3

Cromwell proposes Mary’s return to court

Neutral and composed—Nan Seymour’s silence and composed demeanor suggest she is fully aware of the political stakes in the conversation but chooses to remain neutral, observing rather than participating.

Nan Seymour sits with the Queen and other ladies-in-waiting, sewing quietly. She does not speak but is present during the exchange between Cromwell and Queen Jane, her composed demeanor reflecting …

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S2E3 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 3

Jane’s defiance and Cromwell’s political maneuver

Anxious and protective—Nan is clearly concerned for Jane’s safety and the Seymour family’s reputation, but she also understands the need to comply with Henry’s authority.

Nan Seymour attempts to intervene early, urging Jane to withdraw before her plea escalates. Later, she and Lady Rochford physically lift Jane to her feet after Henry’s rebuke, their actions …

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S2E3 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 3

Jane defies Henry over religious dissent

Quietly loyal, his emotional state reflects a sense of duty and deference to Henry’s authority, even in the absence of direct involvement in the confrontation.

Rafe is present with Henry and the court while playing bowls but does not speak or act. His silent participation reflects his role as a trusted member of the royal …

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S2E3 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 3

Cromwell’s veiled threats at Gregory’s wedding

Affectionate on the surface, but inwardly satisfied with the Seymours’ ability to disrupt Cromwell’s moment of familial joy.

Nan Seymour arrives late to the exchange, her smile affectionate but her actions deliberate. She interrupts the tension between Cromwell and Edward Seymour, leading her brother away with a grace …

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S2E3 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 3

Gregory confronts Cromwell over Bess

Content and at ease, reflecting the festive atmosphere, though her role in the scene is peripheral to the central conflict.

Mentioned as sitting with Bess Oughtred, Richard Cromwell, and Edward Seymour during the wedding celebrations. Her presence is noted but she does not participate directly in the confrontation. She serves …

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S2E3 · The Mirror and the Light Episode 3

Gregory demands his autonomy

Serene and observant, likely aware of the undercurrents of tension but maintaining a diplomatic facade.

Mentioned indirectly as sitting with Bess Oughtred, Richard Cromwell, and Edward Seymour. Her presence is noted in the context of Bess’s contentment, but she does not participate in the dialogue. …

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Affiliation

The Seymours

Tudor Court Factional Politics