The House of Seymour

by Joanna Hickson

When Isabel Williams is betrothed to John Seymour, Lord of Wulf Hall Manor, she hopes that love and respect will come, despite his cold streak of ruthless ambition.

Jess the Shepherdess tends her flock on the wild spaces of Avebury close by, dismissing those who believe it is work for men. Forced to flee after falling under suspicion for the disappearance of a young man, Isabel’s offer of life with the growing Seymour family is the only refuge available to her.

As John’s ambition draws them into the orbit of the divided court of the young King Henry VI, his hunger to succeed takes on a darker edge. Isabel realises her husband will pay any price to get want he wants, even if it means destroying those he has sworn to protect…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Tudor Period, Medieval

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2025

About the author

Joanna Hickson became fascinated with history when she studied Shakespeare's history plays at school. However, having taken a degree in Politics and English she took up a career in broadcast journalism with the BBC, presenting and producing news, current affairs and arts programmes on both television and radio. Now she writes full time and has a contract with Harper Collins for three historical novels. The Agincourt Bride is the first. She lives in Scotland in a 200 year old farmhouse and is married with a large extended family and a wayward Irish terrier.
Joanna likes people to join her on Twitter (@joannahickson) or Facebook (Joanna Hickson)and says if you can't find her she'll be in the fifteenth century!

Reviews

[Rosie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a splendid read I thoroughly enjoyed it a introduction into family and ancestors of Queen Jane Seymour

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant novel! Some details about social conditions in the 15th century were really interesting. The characters were likable and also relatable. The novel reveals a light story which proved pretty predictable. The end is a cliff hanger which is understandable since this is book one in a series of three novels. Overall, a nice and easy read.
I have received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical novel and will look out for part 2. Felt a little long mid-way through and an ending maybe too neat, however, this didn’t spoil the overall read (read whilst on holiday). I’d give this 3.5 stars

[Jessicabookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

The latest historical-fiction* from a favourite author of mine, the first in a proposed trilogy, about the rise of the Seymour family at Wulf Hall Manor. That takes us back to when Queen Jane Seymour's wealthy great-great-grandmother Isabel Williams married the ambitious John Seymour. Overall, I thought The House of Seymour was a quick and easy historical-fiction to read, with an interesting premise, colourful characters and fascinating locations, however it felt shallow and underwhelming compared to Hickson’s previous novels, like The First of the Tudors and The Queen’s Lady, which completely swept me away. Perhaps my expectations were just too high after reading these.

My full review: https://thebookwormchronicles.wordpre...

*I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed some of Joanna Hickson’s previous historical fiction novels, so I was looking forward to reading her latest one, The House of Seymour, which is the first in a new trilogy. Sadly, I found it disappointing and I probably won’t be continuing with the next two books, but there were still enough things to like that I don’t feel I’ve wasted my time.

This book is not about Henry VIII’s wife Jane Seymour as you might expect, but her ancestors – specifically her great-great-grandmother, Isabel Williams, and her husband, John Seymour. We first meet Isabel, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, in 1424 when she becomes betrothed to John, the ambitious Lord of Wolf Hall in Savernake Forest, Wiltshire. From very early in their marriage, it becomes clear that their relationship is not going to be a happy one. John is a cruel and ruthless man preoccupied with political advancement and winning the support of the Duke of Gloucester, protector of the young king, Henry VI.

Isabel finds some solace in her relationship with John’s young cousin Edmund, a much kinder man than her husband, and also a new friendship with Jess, a shepherdess who has been forced to leave her home near the village of Avebury. Jess and a farm hand, Addy (Adhelm), had taken shelter from a storm in the Long Barrow – an ancient burial chamber – only for Addy to disappear without trace. Accused of witchcraft, Jess takes refuge at Easton Priory where she meets Isabel and is given a position in her household.

The narrative is divided mainly between Isabel and Jess, although we also occasionally see things from the perspective of John and other characters. The voices and attitudes of both women felt too modern for my taste – I prefer to feel fully immersed in the period when I read historical fiction – and so I couldn’t quite manage to believe in them as convincing 15th century people.

I did love the setting – or rather settings, as there are two main ones. The first is Wolf Hall, or Wulfhall to use the spelling of the time, which becomes home to Isabel’s family after John inherits the wardenship of Savernake Forest. The other is Avebury, an atmospheric place with its Neolithic stone circles, ancient barrows and monuments. Although the characters do sometimes cross paths with members of the royal court, most of the book takes place in these two settings and the surrounding areas so the focus is mostly on Isabel’s household and Jess and her family. The problem here is that none of the characters really came to life for me and most of them lacked depth. The book as a whole felt a lot lighter and less substantial than Hickson’s other recent ones.

Although I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I would have liked, it was still good to learn a little bit about the Seymour family and their history. I’m probably not going to read the second book when it comes out, but I’ll be interested to hear whether it’s stronger than this one.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual and very measured introduction to the history of the Seymour family.
Queen Jane is awaiting the birth of the long anticipated Prince of England. She is shown a coat of arms designed for her own personal use. The Royal arms of England and France, the Seymour badge of joined golden wings, the Beauchamp coat of arms, from marriage, but no reference of her grandmother, as she was not of noble birth. We are then introduced to that grandmother, Isabel Williams, born in Bristol, her father was an exporter of cloth to Ireland, and he imported wine from Andalusia. These riches were invested into property in Bristol.
Through his business contacts, he arranges a marriage to a young John Seymour, who has expectations of running the large family estate in Somerset.
Upon their marriage, they move to Hatch Beauchamp, later, following the death of John’s father, they move to Wolf Hall as John takes over the Wardenship of Savernake Forest.
Running in parallel to the main story, we meet Jess, who looks after her father’s flock. She is distrusted by the locals as she misses church due to lambing needs and also wears trousers and other male garments. There are whispers of Witchcraft due to the family living close to the stone circles at Avebury, in Wiltshire. One day, a young man begs shelter from a storm, his name is Adhelm or Addy, he has aspirations to be an archer, but is willing to learn how to be a shepherd, he becomes rather taken with Jess and her quiet way of life.
These two different stories collide, as both Jess and Addy end up at Wolf Hall, where they are offered employment and have a front row seat to all the political machinations that are part of the Seymour story.
Set against the background of war with France, the wool trade, fights over a young boy King, and political reforms over voting rights, John Seymour puts family advantages first, without considering if and how these decisions could affect his family. Can Isabel keep her family safe from powerful parties at Court?.
The first of a planned trilogy, starts off quite slowly as we are gradually introduced to the central characters, it is a slow burner, but there is so much research evidently done, but carefully used, it doesn’t read like like a dry history lesson. The Seymour men seem to have been rather self absorbed, wilful, hot tempered and occupied with ideas of titles and advancement at Court, whether by deeds in battle, or knowing the right way to jump.
I liked the political themes, the voting rights issue was an eye opener, the story of our essential wool trade and how the war with the French affected farmers and others in that business was well explained. I like the character of Isabel, and her efforts to keep the peace at home, not an easy job.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series, it promises to be a very good read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers HarperCollinsUK for my advanced read, freely given in return for my honest review. A 4 star rating. I will leave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this eCopy to review

From the moment I turned the first page of The House of Seymour, I was utterly transported to the turbulent world of 15th-century England. Joanna Hickson masterfully weaves a tale of power, resilience, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of ambition.

The story follows Isabel Williams, a young woman betrothed to John Seymour, Lord of Wolf Hall Manor. Isabel hopes for love and respect in her marriage, but she soon discovers John’s ruthless ambition. Meanwhile, Jess the shepherdess, fiercely independent and dismissing societal expectations, finds herself accused of a crime and forced to flee. Isabel offers her refuge within the growing Seymour household, but as John’s hunger for power draws them into the divided court of King Henry VI, his relentless pursuit of success takes a darker turn. Isabel realises that her husband will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even if it means betraying those closest to him.

Hickson’s storytelling is rich and immersive, bringing historical figures to life with depth and emotional resonance. Isabel’s journey is both heart breaking and inspiring, as she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and personal survival. Jess, with her defiant spirit, adds a compelling contrast to the narrative, making their intertwined fates all the more gripping.

The novel’s pacing is perfectly balanced, with moments of quiet reflection interspersed with high-stakes drama. Hickson’s attention to historical detail is impeccable, painting a vivid picture of the era without overwhelming the reader. The themes of female resilience, power struggles, and moral dilemmas resonate deeply, making this a standout historical fiction novel.

Hickson delivers a compelling, emotionally charged story that lingers long after the final page. If you’re looking for a novel that combines historical intrigue, personal sacrifice, and gripping storytelling, this is it.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in a proposed new trilogy introduces us to the Seymour family whose manor at Wolf Hall was to be their main residence in Wiltshire. It is here, in 1425, where we get know John Seymour, newly elevated to the title of Lord of the Manor, his young wife Isabel, and his younger brother, Edmund Seymour. John is ambitious and determined to rise through the ranks by securing the patronage of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, who is protector to the young King, Henry VI. Alongside the Seymour story we get to meet Jess, who as a female shepherdess is forced to flee her family farm near Avebury where she comes into come into contact with Isabel Seymour at the nearby Easton Priory and so the connection between these two strong woman is forged.

This is an interesting glimpse into the history of England in the fifteenth century, particularly the political situation concerning the protectorship of the young King during a time when England was still caught up in the Hundred Years War with France and of the scheming which surrounded John Seymour’s elevation to the peerage. I enjoyed the detailed description of life at Wolf Hall with Isabel, whose married life with John Seymour was not an easy one, but Isabel’s spirit shines throughout and Wolf Hall and its inhabitants comes alive in the imagination.

Well researched, the story starts slowly but gradually all the pieces start to fit together and a strong story about the early beginnings of the Seymour family, whose connection to the Crown, over a hundred years later, is culminated by the marriage, in 1536, of Jane Seymour to King Henry VIII. The House of Seymour leads us into a very different England with an important family who would shape their own destiny for years to come

[Annette Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The House of Seymour by Joanna Hickson is historical fiction, set in fifteenth century England and tells the stories of two women with very different lives. Isabel Williams is the daughter of an ambitious business man who marries her off to John Seymour, Lord of Wolf Hall Manor and a man whose ambition is only slightly greater than his callousness and cruelty, not just to Isabel but to every one around him. Jess is a shepherdess, a young woman doing a job usually done by men, and this marks her out in her small minded community as someone different, perhaps even dangerous, perhaps even a witch, a rumour that his not helped by her choice of canine companion. The two women form an unlikely friendship but one that lasts.
This is something of a strange one, the book is described as book one of a trilogy, but even with that in mind the ending is far too abrupt and I found it rather unsatisfying. It did not wrap things up well enough to work as a stand alone and yet it did not leave me excited to read the next book. I enjoy historical fiction and I think the author did a good job of depicting the period in a way that will bring it to life for the reader. I thought the explorations of the dangers that women faced was really well handled, but I struggled to connect with the characters and that made me less invested in their stories than I had hoped which made the pacing of an already slow book feel even slower. I have read other books from this author and enjoyed them much more but this one did not work so well for me.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Acantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this, I love historical fiction, but sadly this was not for me.

Every single man in this book is a pig with the exception of Edmund. And yes, I'm including Addy in my list of disappointing men. They are all horrible, John most of all and it was hard to enjoy a book when I disliked the majority of the characters.

This just didn't read like historical fiction to me. The characters voices sounded too modern and just 'off' for what was meant to be the 1400's. The men were ready to raise fists at their women for anything which was more realistic considering how they viewed women, but many of the women had views which did not sit easy in the time. Its hard to believe the Lady of the house for example, would be so opposed to hunting on moral grounds. All of Jess' story was hard to swallow for similar reasons. Seeing some historical figures I knew at the height of their powers, knowing what would happen to them was interesting, as well seeing the writers version of them.

It was very disjointed. I am aware that this is a planned trilogy, but for a whole book we followed Jess without ever really understanding why. I kept expecting her story to tie back in with the Seymour's but it never happened. The ending was abrupt and unsatisfying, but I will not be picking up the next one.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I’ve read some of Joanna Hickson’s historical fiction novels so I was hoping I’d enjoy The House of Seymour, the first in a new trilogy. However, even though it is entertaining reading I felt it’s rather underwhelming, but maybe my expectations were too high.

It opens with a Prologue set in 1537 with Jane Seymour towards the end of her pregnancy looking at a proposed new Seymour coat of arms. She was upset that it didn’t include the badges of her mother and grandmother who were commoners.

The story then goes back over a hundred years to 1424 where we meet Isabel Williams, Jane’s great great grandmother, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She married John Seymour (c. 1395/1402 – 20 December 1464) Lord of Wulf (Wolf) Hall in Savernake Forest, Wiltshire. Isabel and John’s marriage was not an easy one. John was ambitious, cruel and ruthless, determined to gain the support of Humphrey, the Duke of Gloucester and Protector of the boy king Henry VI. Alongside Isabel’s story is that of Jess, a young shepherdess, who left her home at Avebury, accused of witchcraft. She and Isabel had met at the Easton Priory and after hearing her story Isabel offered her a place in her household to look after her young son.

I really liked the settings, Wolf Hall, close to Savernake Forest, a remnant of primeval forest which became a royal forest soon after the Norman Conquest, and the village of Avebury with its henge and stone circles and the Long Barrow on Silbury Hill, a Neolithic burial site. I enjoyed the details of family life in the fifteenth century at Wolf Hall, and the details about hunting wolves and sheep farming. But overall I think this is very light historical fiction.

At the end of the book there is a useful glossary of words, such as ‘manchet‘, which is the best ‘white-flour’ bread served in wealthy homes, and also a section containing the author’s notes, giving information about the places mentioned, which I think are well worth reading.

Many thanks to Netgalley/Joanna Hickson/HarperCollins UK for a digital review copy of this title.

[Megan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sublime historical fiction read from Hickson. I enjoyed reading about the earlier members of the Seymour family, people I had not read much about before so it was interesting learning about their lives. Isabel proves to be a remarkable woman who is incredibly strong during very tough times. As always with Hickson I thought the people were brought to life brilliantly and even though we might know their ending, this was still a gripping read.
I also thought the characters that Hickson has imagined are excellent and based on possible people and lives that would have existed. Initially I was unclear why Jess had been included so prominently but I ended up really liking her and her story with Addy brought some added warmth to the read.
Another area where Hickson excels is evoking the time. It was like I was transported back to the fifteenth century with the characters, everything felt so real.
I really loved this read and cannot wait for another read from Hickson.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess and Isabela born same era different backgrounds but there's a connection or there will be. A Shepherdess and a Lady of the manor

When a distant cousin arrives Jess's life changes but not as much as when he goes. Isabela life changes when she marries John Seymour to see how well it's a wonderful book to read and discover with twist and turns from beginning to m to the end where actions have consequences but not always predictable.. This game from 2 sides of the track is intriguing as well as historical the young King Henry VI sits on the throne but under the guiding hand of his Uncle the Lord Glouster his Protector

This is an interesting tale a wonderful read and I want to highly recommend it to you. There are great characters some not so wonderful that you'll want to hate or dislike. But the 2 hero's you will love every page.brings then closer to your heart, 2 great characters, plus plenty more to follow if you like historical sagas you'll love this it fantastic.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabel is the daughter of a well-to-do merchant but her engagement is broken when a young member of the gentry proposes and her father sees a way for advancement. Isabel doesn't particularly like her husband but accepts her lot and becomes the mistress of a hunting lodge in the Savernake Forest. Her husband John Seymour is ambitious and begins to ingratiate himself with Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, the uncle of the boy king Henry VI. Jess is a female shepherd who is accused of being a witch after her intended Addy disappears but she finds refuge at Wolf Hall with Isabel.
This is very light historical fiction but that is no bad thing. I really liked the setting for this novel during the childhood of Henry VI and the background of the Hundred Years War. The author introduces Catherine de Valois and hints at the future scandal of her relationship with Owen Tudor. The plot meanders along and is obviously well-researched. It's not demanding to read but is entertaining.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As a lifelong fan of Tudor stories, I was looking forward to finding out some of the Seymour family backstory. The prologue even opens with Jane Seymour looking at her proposed crest and thinking about forgotten "common" female ancestors. I found the ultimate exposition of that backstory rather underwhelming, though. I kept expecting for a big reveal about someone's character or destiny, but there was nothing unexpected at the end. I also kept waiting for the stories of Jess the shepherd and Isabel Seymour to interact in a way that would deeply affect the fate of the Seymour family or the estate, but again, it just kind of fizzled out. Overall, I loved the idea, but didn't find the execution as enlightening as I'd hoped.

[Jenny H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two very different women’s lives and travails. The story alternates between shepherdess Jess (with her faithful Dog Star) living on the South Downs and Wolf Hall doyenne Isabel Seymour, married to John. It’s set in the sixteenth century, when Henry VI is a child, England is ruled by a regent and there are constant wars with France. This is a superstitious age, when unconventional women could be charged with witchcraft and lives were often short and brutal. There’s a strong sense of time and place and good descriptions of the two women’s homes, journeys and the towns and countryside they live in. Well-written and engrossing with a useful glossary at the end.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Joanna Hickson tackles exactly what it says on the tin in this novel set during the minority of Henry VI of England, showing the beginning of the rise of the Seymour family, who will one day produce Jane Seymour, a Tudor courtier and the third wife of Henry VIII.

To be honest, I was a rather disappointed by a lot of this story. While there are some tense moments (one character faces rape and being placed on trial as a witch, which is almost certainly a death sentence), nearly everything here seems incredibly lowball in terms of stakes and the tension, in most cases, falls flat.

My full review will be linked here soon.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanna Hickson writes historical novels in a really easy to read style, making them a pleasure to read.

This time the story is based on the Seymours – the main characters being Isabel, forced to abandon her promised marriage of love to instead wed John Seymour, lord of Wolf Hall, unpleasant and harsh; and also a young shepherdess Jess, who is suspected of crimes and takes sanctuary under Isabel’s care.

There’s a real difference of emotions shown in the male and female characters, and it’s interesting to read of some real historical characters in a fictional context.

[Emily Booth · Rating 3 out of 5]

***2.75***
This was a strange one. It felt like the plot never developed properly and jumped all over the place, leaving characters feeling underdeveloped also.

I feel it could have done with more editing, the writing just didn't quite hit and the attitudes of the female characters seemed too modern.

The main character Isabel had an interesting story though, and I feel she could have taken even more of a central role.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the social conditions were interesting in this novel and the characters were pleasant enough, I did not feel the pull of the historical tale as I have in previous books I have read by Joanna Hickson. Sadly, it felt somewhat lacking for me, but it was readable.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Joanna Hickson/HarperCollins UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

[KNewman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t believe I paid for this piece of trash. Shallow, no character development, dialogue from the 21st century rather that consistent with the time period. Interaction that would have never happened in the claimed time period. If you are a fan of well written historical fiction this book will surely disappoint.

[Freda Pierce · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing and Inauthentic
I couldn’t finish House of Seymour—a rare DNF for me. The writing felt flat, the dialogue and vernacular didn’t ring true to the time period, and the historical setting lacked authenticity. It just didn’t capture the richness or accuracy I expect from good historical fiction. A disappointing read overall.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

It was interesting to see Jane Seymour’s ancestors, and I’m interested in reading the rest of the series.
But, this novel feels a little disjointed by itself, with no real ending.

[Heather Nazmdeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting to read about the 15th c and the Seymour family that was Jane Seymour’s ancestry. Some strong women and power wrangling, not too much different to now.

[Karen Keane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1420’s, this is the first of a series, and gives the reader the history of the house of the Seymour from the very beginnings. A good social and political history.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and one I've not seen in other historical fiction of the time period. Loved reading it, and can't wait for the next one in the series!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Andrea Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing really happens. It’s just people getting married, having kids and arguments.

[Maria Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a patch on Lady of the Ravens…

[Grace Mellors · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love historical fiction but this book was boring with no real story. Would recommend skipping.