SYON HOUSE
The official West London residence of the Dukes of Northumberland.
Estate, including Syon House, acquired by John Dudley, following the execution of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, in Jan 1552.
Jane Grey brought to Syon House, and offered crown of England in Jul 1553, following death of Edward VI.
Later came into possession of Henry Percy, 9th Duke of Northumberland, husband of Dorothy Devereux.
KEY EVENTS
1539 - Dissolution of Syon Abbey, medieval monastery and expulsion of royal order, on 'Dissolution of the Monasteries; property came in possession of the Crown, before being granted to EDWARD SEYMOUR, 1st Duke of Somerset on long lease.
14 Nov 1541 - Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII and Queen of England, moved to Syon under arrest, following her confession to having sexual liaisons with other men; was stripped of her 'Queenship' 8 days later, and in Jan 1542, condemned to death by an Act on Attainder.
10 Feb 1542 - Catherine Howard leaves Syon, and is taken to the Tower of London; she is executed by beheading three days later.
1547 - Completion of 'Syon House' overseen by EDWARD SEYMOUR; family known to have resided here, including ANNE SEYMOUR.
14 Feb 1547 - Henry VIII's coffin stops overnight at Syon House, on its way to Windsor Castle for burial (funeral takes place on 16 Feb 1547). Reports that the body 'exploded' overnight, bursting the coffin open, whilst it was resting in the chapel at Syon.
Sep 1547 - Mary Seymour, newborn infant of THOMAS SEYMOUR and recently deceased KATHERINE PARR sent to his brother's family at Syon House; ANNE STANHOPE takes on financial responsibility for child, before baby is moved to Grimsthorpe, under care of Katherine Willoughby.
22 Jan 1552 - EDWARD SEYMOUR executed for treason and all property and titles confiscated; JOHN DUDLEY takes ownership of Syon estate including Syon House.
06 Jul 1553 - Death of EDWARD VI; JOHN DUDLEY starts implement Edward's 'Devise for the Succession' i.e, plan to place JANE GREY on throne as queen. Important figures start to gather at Syon House.
09 Jul 1553 - JANE GREY is summoned to Syon House from Chelsea Manor, where she is informed of Edward VI's "devices for the succession" and formally offered the crown of England by Privy Council present, to which she 'reluctantly' accepts. Reportedly informed of this in the 'Long Gallery'.
10 Jul 1553 - JANE GREY, GUILDFORD DUDLEY, JANE GUILDFORD and others leave Syon House for Tower of London; Jane is proclaimed Queen of England following arrival at the tower.
22 Aug 1553 - Execution of JOHN DUDLEY; titles and lands are confiscated, and Syon House is returned to the ownership of the 'Crown'.
1594 - Marriage of DOROTHY DEVEREUX, widow of Sir Thomas Perrot to Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland; lease of Syon House 'transferred' to Percy family (lease previously held by Sir Thomas Perrot).
1604 - Syon House formally gifted to Henry Percy, from King James I; ownership remains within Percy family, with Syon House being formally recognised as official London residence of Dukes of Northumberland.
03 Aug 1619 - DOROTHY DEVEREUX dies at Syon House, whilst husband Henry Percy remains imprisoned in Tower of London; her body is taken by river to Petworth,Sussex for burial.
