Written in 1543, the letter from Jane Seymour to King Henry VIII, informing him of the birth of Prince Edward, had been carefully stored on a shelf at the Dunham Massey estate, but no one knew it was there.

Written two weeks before her death from complications of childbirth, the letter says: 'Trusty and welbiloved we grete you well. 'And forasmuche as by the inestimable goodnes and grace of Almighty god we be delivred and brought in child Bed of a Prince conceyved in moost Lawfull Matrimonie betwebe my lord the Kinges Majestye and us.'

Several photos accompany the article.