Biography of Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk 1477-1545

Paternal Family Tree: Tilney

Maternal Family Tree: Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk 1477-1545

1483 Richard III Rewards his Supporters

1514 Creation and Re-creation of Peerages

1532 Coronation of Anne Boleyn

1533 Birth and Christening of Elizabeth I

On 30 Sep 1472 [her future husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 29) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey (age 28) were married. He the son of John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 47) and Katherine Moleyns. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.

Around 1477 Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk was born to Hugh Tilney (age 32).

In or before 1478 Robert Mortimer (age 36) and [her future sister-in-law] Isabella Howard (age 28) were married. She the daughter of John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 52) and Katherine Moleyns. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.

Richard III Rewards his Supporters

On 05 Jul 1483 John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 58) was created 1st Duke Norfolk by King Richard III of England (age 30). Margaret Chedworth Duchess Norfolk (age 47) by marriage Duchess Norfolk.

His son [her future husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 40) was created 1st Earl Surrey. Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey (age 39) by marriage Countess Surrey.

William Berkeley 1st Marquess Berkeley (age 57) was created 1st Earl Nottingham.

John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 58) and William Berkeley 1st Marquess Berkeley (age 57) were heirs to the vast Mowbray estates that had been inherited by Anne Mowbray 8th Countess Norfolk who had been married to Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke York (age 9).

Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke York 1473-'s father King Edward IV of England had legislated that in the event of Anne's death his son Richard would continue to benefit from the inheritance; she died in 1481.

Francis Lovell 1st Viscount Lovell (age 27) was created 1st Viscount Lovell. Anne Fitzhugh Viscountess Lovell by marriage Viscountess Lovell. [Note. Some sources place his created on 01 Jan 1483 although the source for that is unknown. ]

In 1488 [her father] Hugh Tilney (age 43) died at Boston [Map].

Before 13 May 1490 John Bourchier 2nd Baron Berners (age 23) and [her future sister-in-law] Katherine Howard Baroness Berners were married. She by marriage Baroness Berners. She the daughter of John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk and Margaret Chedworth Duchess Norfolk (age 54). He the son of Humphrey Bourchier and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey (age 46). He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.

On 17 Aug 1497 Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 54) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 20) were married some four months after the death of his first wife. She by marriage Countess Surrey. She, Agnes, was a first cousin of his former wife Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey for which he was given dispensation on 17 Aug 1497. The difference in their ages was 34 years. He the son of John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk and Katherine Moleyns. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.

In 1498 Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 21) and [her step-daughter] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 18) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 55) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey. They were fourth cousins.

Around 1499 [her daughter] Catherine Howard Countess Bridgewater was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 56) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 22).

Before 1504 John Grey 2nd Viscount Lisle (age 23) and [her step-daughter] Muriel Howard Viscountess Lisle (age 18) were married. She by marriage Viscountess Lisle. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 60) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey. They were third cousins.

Before 18 Feb 1505 [her step-son] Edward Howard (age 29) and Elizabeth Stapleton (age 64) were married. The difference in their ages was 35 years; she, unusually, being older than him. He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 62) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey.

Around 1506 [her daughter] Elizabeth Howard was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 63) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 29).

On 07 Jul 1506 [her sister-in-law] Isabella Howard (age 57) died.

Before 1508 Thomas Knyvet (age 23) and [her step-daughter] Muriel Howard Viscountess Lisle (age 22) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 64) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey. They were fourth cousins.

After 06 Nov 1509 [her step-son] Edmund Howard (age 31) and Joyce Culpepper (age 29) were married. He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 66) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey.

In 1510 [her son] William Howard 1st Baron Howard was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 67) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 33) at Hampton Court Palace, Richmond [Map].

Around 1511 [her daughter] Dorothy Howard Countess Derby was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 68) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 34).

Around 1511 [her son] Thomas Howard was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 68) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 34).

Around 1511 [her son-in-law] John de Vere 14th Earl of Oxford (age 11) and [her daughter] Anne Howard Countess of Oxford were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 68) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 34). They were half third cousins.

On 14 Dec 1511 [her step-daughter] Muriel Howard Viscountess Lisle (age 26) died.

In 1513 [her step-son] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 40) and Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 16) were married. The difference in their ages was 24 years. She the daughter of Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham (age 34) and Eleanor Percy Duchess Buckingham. He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 70) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

Before 25 Apr 1513 [her step-son] Edward Howard (age 37) and Alice Lovell 10th Baroness Marshal 9th Baroness Morley (age 46) were married. He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 70) and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey.

On 25 Apr 1513 [her step-son] Edward Howard (age 37) died.

Creation and Re-creation of Peerages

On 01 Feb 1514 King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 22) created and re-created two peerages ....

Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester (age 54) was created 1st Earl Worcester.

[her husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 71) was restored 2nd Duke Norfolk probably for having secured victory at the Battle of Flodden after which his arms were augmented with an inescutcheon bearing the lion of Scotland pierced through the mouth with an arrow. Some documentation describes this as a creation rather than restoration although he is always referred to as 2nd. Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 37) by marriage Duchess Norfolk

Four Years at the Court of Henry VIII Volume 1. 24 Feb 1516. Sebastian Giustinian. To the Most Excellent Council of Ten.

On the 21st instant, this most serene King had his daughter christened, and the sponsors were the right reverend cardinal and the duchess of Norfolk (age 39)1, the consort of the Lord High Treasurer; and thus was it done, I think, by reason of the Imperial, and French, and Spanish ambassadors, and of myself; the King not choosing to make any distinction, and I am of opinion that the consideration was prudent. To-day, I went to his Majesty and congratulated him in the name of your Highness on the birth of his daughter, and on the well-being of her most serene mother, adding that your Serenity would have experienced greater satisfaction had it been a son, for the contentment moreover of his Majesty, who should resign himself to the will of the Lord God, who distributes his favours as he pleases; with other words suited to the subject. His Majesty then made me draw nearer, having, however, in the first place returned many thanks to your Highness for this compliment, saying, "We are both young: if it was a daughter this time, by the grace of God the sons will follow," and he then continued, "Domine Orator, I will tell you a very great secret, the which I charge you under the closest confidence not to write to any one, except to your Doge, lest it become known; nor even to your Doge do I choose you to write that I in person told it you, but say that you have heard it from a good source: know that the King of France is negotiating with all earnestness to obtain peace with the Emperor, and to leave you, single-handed, at the mercy of your enemies; I always loved the Venetians, and it grieves me to the heart, the seeing you deceived from too great credulity: I have chosen to tell you his; make such provision as you may think fit." I thanked his Majesty exceedingly for so affectionate a demonstration, and said I should forthwith communicate it to your Highness, who would keep what I might write you most secret. I did not think it advisable to probe the matter farther, for to evince belief in these words, would have been perilous; whilst on the other hand, to let fall an expression implying that I doubted them, must have proved odious, so I let them pass without farther comment.

His Majesty having departed, I remained with Cardinal Wolsey, who (after I had spoken to him, and appointed a conference with his right reverend lordship about the affair of the wines of Candia, according to the injunctions contained in the letters of your Highness dated the 27th of December) said to me, " Domine Orator, I have always loved you, and desired the weal and exaltation of your state; beware in whom you trust, and take care, lest in a moment, through too great confidence, you lose that which you have preserved with so great labour and expense." I showed that I understood his meaning, to avoid the appearance of imagining that what the King had told me was unknown to his lordship, but said to him, that if the faith of your Highness doomed you to destruction, you.could only have recourse to the Almighty, who would avenge it; but, that let this perfidy proceed from whence it may, it is undeserved by your Excellency, as by your confederates you have played the part of a most Christian Republic, and as such, I trusted, would in no case be abandoned. I avoided in every word the possibility of being thought to lean to one side rather than the other, as seems to me expedient in this matter, which I have not chosen to communicate to the French ambassador, deeming it really of so great moment, proceeding as it does ex ore regis that it was my duty, first of all, to announce it to your Highness, who, being acquainted with facts concerning the most Christian King unknown to me, will form such resolves about your affairs as may be thought fit. I see this business getting very embroiled, and perceive that what I prognosticated to your Sublimity in my former letters is coming to pass, namely, that this side is solely intent on detaching your Highness from the most Christian King, and from these negotiations.

Note 1. Agnes Tilney (age 39), daughter of Hugh Tilney, the second wife of Thomas Howard, second Duke of Norfolk. This Duchess Agnes became subsequently involved in the disgrace of her granddaughter, Queen Catharine Howard. The birth of the Princess Mary at the moment of her grandfather's death, and the choice of her godmother, appear evil omens.

Around 1518 [her daughter] Anne Howard Countess of Oxford was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 75) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 41).

In 1524 [her son-in-law] Rhys ap Gruffydd Deheubarth (age 16) and [her daughter] Catherine Howard Countess Bridgewater (age 25) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 81) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 47).

Before 21 May 1524 [her son-in-law] Henry Radclyffe 2nd Earl of Sussex (age 17) and [her daughter] Elizabeth Howard (age 18) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 81) and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 47). He the son of Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 41) and Elizabeth Stafford Countess Sussex (age 45). He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

On 21 May 1524 [her husband] Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 81) died at Framlingham Castle, Suffolk [Map]. He was buried at Thetford Priory, Norfolk [Map] and subsequently reburied at the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Framlingham [Map]. His son [her step-son] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 51) succeeded 3rd Duke Norfolk, 2nd Earl Surrey. Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 27) by marriage Duchess Norfolk.

Letters and Papers 1529. 16 Jul 1529. 5778. The Divorce. i. Deposition of Mary (age 31) wife of Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, taken at Stanstede, on Thursday, 15 July 1529, in the presence of Robert Johnson, notary public (of Norwich diocese). Her age is 44 years and over. She says that prince Arthur and Catharine (age 43) lived as man and wife together; that the two occupied the same bed after the wedding, at London House, and were generally reputed as man and wife.

ii. Deposition of Agnes (age 52) widow of [her former husband] Thomas late Duke of Norfolk, taken on Friday, 16 July 1529, in the church of St. Mary [Map], of the Cluniac priory of Thetford, by Sampson Mychell, canon, in the presence of John [Fletcher] and [William] Molyneux, M.A., her chaplain. Her age is 52 years and over. She knew Henry VII. and his Queen Elizabeth from the time she was 15, and remembers Catharine coming from Spain, and the marriage of Arthur and Catharine in St. Paul's. "He was then about the stature that the young [earl of] Derby is now at, but not fully so high as the same Earl is." Also, that the said Prince Arthur and [princess Ka]theryne (age 43), now being Queen, were brought to bed the next night after the said marriage; for this deponent did see them lie... me in one bed the same night, in a chamber within the said palace being prepared for them, and that this deponent left them so [lying to]gether there the said night.

Before 18 Jun 1531 [her son] William Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 21) and [her daughter-in-law] Katherine Broughton were married. She the daughter of John Broughton of Toddington, Bedfordshire and Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford (age 52). He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 54).

Before Sep 1531 [her son-in-law] Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby (age 22) and [her daughter] Dorothy Howard Countess Derby (age 20) were married. She by marriage Countess Derby. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 54). He the son of Thomas Stanley 2nd Earl of Derby and Anne Hastings Countess Derby (age 46). They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Coronation of Anne Boleyn

Hall's Chronicle 1533. The Receiving and Conveying of the Queen through London.

To the intent that the horses should not slide on the Pavement, nor that the people should not be hurted by horses, the high streets where the Queen should passe were all gravelled from the Tower to Temple Bar and railed on the one side, within which rails stood the crafts along in their order from Gracechurch where the merchants of the Steelyard stood till the little conduit in Chepe where the Aldermen stood, and on the other side of the street stood the Constables of the city apparelled in velvet and silk with great staves in their hands to cause the people to keep room and good order. And when the streets were somewhat ordered, the Mayor clothed in a gown of crimson Velvet and a riche collar of Esses with two footmen clad in white and red damask rode to the Tower to give his attendance on the Queen, on whom the Sheriffs with their officers did wait till they came to Tower hill, where they taking their leave rode down the high streets commanding the Constables to see room and good order kept, and so went and stood by the Aldermen in Chepe. And before the Queen and her train should come, Cornhill and Gracious Street were hanged with fine Scarlet, Crimson and other grayned [ie dyed] clothes, and in some place with rich Arras, Tapestry and Carpets, and the most part of the Chepe was hanged with cloth of Tissue, Gold, Velvet and many rich hangings which made a goodly show, and all the windows were replenished with ladies and gentlewomen to behold the Queen and her train as they should pass by. The first of the Queen's company that set forward were twelve Frenchmen which were belonging to the French Ambassador clothed in coats of blue velvet with sleeves of yellow and blue velvet and their horses trapped with close trappers of blue sarcenet powdered with white crosses: after them marched gentlemen, squires, knightes two and two. After them the judges, and after them the Knights of the Bath in violet gowns with hoods purfeled with miniver like doctors, after them Abbots, then Barons, after them bishops, then Earles and Marquesses, then the Lorde Chancellor of England, after him the archbishop of York and the ambassador of Venice, after him the archbishop of Canterbury and the ambassador of France, after rode two squires of honour with robes of estate rolled and worn baudrike wise about their necks with caps of estate representing the Dukes of Normandy and Aquitaine, after them rode the Mayor of London with his Mace and Garter in his coat of arms, which Mayor bore his Mace to Westminster Hall, after them rode the Lord William Howard with the Marshal's Rod deputy to his brother the Duke of Norfolk Marshall of England which was ambassador then in France: and on his right hand rode Charles Duke of Suffolk for that day High Constable of England bearing the verder of silver appertaining to the office of Constableship, and all the Lords for the most part were clothed in crimson velvet, and all the Queen’s servants or officers of arms in scarlet. Next before the Queen rode her Chancellor bareheaded, the Sergeants and Officers of Armes rode on both the sides of the Lords. Then came the Queen in a litter of white cloth of gold not covered nor bayled which was led by two palfreys clad in white damask down to the ground head and all, led by her footmen. She had on a circot of white cloth of tissue and a mantle of the same furred with ermine, her hair hanged down, but on her head she had a coif with a circlet about it full of riche stones. Over her was borne a canopy of cloth of gold with four gilt staves and four silver belles. For bearing of which canopy were appointed sixteen knights, four to bear it one space on foot and other four another space according to their own appointment. Next after the Queen rode the Lord Borough her Chamberlain, next after him William Coffyn Master of the Horses leading a spare horse with a side saddle trapped down clothe of tissue : after him rode seven ladies in crimson velvet turned up with cloth of gold and of tissue and their horses trapped with cloth of gold, after them two chariots covered with red cloth of gold. In the first chariot was two ladies which were old Duchess of Norfolk (age 54) and the old Marchioness of Dorset (age 44). In the second chariot were four ladies all in crimson velvet. After them rode seven ladies in the same suite their horses trappers and all, after them came the third Chariot all white with six ladies in crimson velvet, next after them came the fourth chariot all red with eight ladies also in crimson velvet, after who followed thirty gentlewomen all in velvet and silk in the livery of their ladies on whom they gave their attendance. After them followed the guard in coats of Goldsmith’s work, in which order they rode forth till they came to Fenchurch, where was made a pageant all with children apparelled like merchants which welcomed her to the City with two proper prepositions both in French and English, and from thence she rode to Gracious church corner, where was a costly and a marvellous cunning pageant made by the merchants of the Steelyard, for there was the Mount Parnassus with the fountain of Helicon, which was of white Marble and four streams without pipe did rise an ell high and meet together in a little cup about the fountain, which fountain ran abundantly racked Rhenish wine until night. On the mountain sat Appollo and at his feet sat Calliope, and on every side of the mountain sat four Muses playing on several sweet instruments, and at their feet Epigrammes and Poeses were written in golden letters, in the which every Muse according to her property praised the Queen: so from thence she passed to Leaden Hall where was a goodly pageant with a type and a heavenly roof [?], and under the type was a rote of gold set on a little mountain environed with red roses and white, out of the type came down a Falcon all white and sate upon the rote, and incontinent came down an Angel with great melody and set a close-crown of gold on the Falcon’s head, and in the same pageant sat Saint Ann with all her issue beneath her, and under Mari Cleoph sat her four children, of the which children one made a goodly Oration to the Queen of the fruitfulness of Saint Anne and of her generation, trusting that like fruit should come of her. Then she passed to the conduit in Cornhill where were three graces set in a throne, afore who was the spring of grace continually running wine. Afore the fountain sat a Poet declaring the properties of every grace, and that done every lady by herself according to her property gave to the Queen a several gift of grace. That done she passed by the great conduit in Chepe which was newly painted with armes of devises: out of the which conduit by a goodly fountain set up the one end ran continually wine both white and claret all that afternoon, and so she rode to the Standard which was richly painted with images of Kings and Queens and hanged with banners of arms, and in the top was miraculous sweet harmony both of song and instrument. Then she went forward to the crosse which was newly gilt, until she came where the Aldermen stood, and then Master Baker the Recorder came to her with low reverence making a proper and brief proposition and gave to her in the name of the City a thousand marks in gold in a Purse of gold, which she thankfully accepted with many goodly words, and so rode to the little conduit where was a riche pageant full of melody and song, in which pageant was Pallas, Juno and Venus, and before them stood Mercury which in the name of the three goddesses gave to her a ball of gold divided in three, signifying three gifts the which three Goddesses gave to her, that is to say, wisdom, riches and felicity. As she entered into Paul’s gate there was a pretty pageant in which sat three ladies richly clothed, and in a circle on their head was written Regina Anna prospers procede et regna [May Queen Anne prosper and reign]. The Lady in the middle had a Tablet in the which was written Veni arnica coronaberis [Come, you will be crowned with gold], And under the tablet sat an Angel with a close crown, and the lady sitting on the right hand had a Tablet of silver in which was written Domine directe gressus meos [Lord direct my steps], and the third lady had a Tablet of gold with letters Asure written, confido in domine [I trust in the Lord], and under their feet was written, Anna Reginan ominum Regis de sanguine natum, cum paries populis aurea secla tuis [? Anna Queen of the names of the King born of blood, when you wall the peoples of your golden age]. And these ladies cast down wafers, on the which the two verses were written. From thence she passed to the East end of Paul’s Churchyard against the school, where stood on a scaffold two hundred children well apparelled, which said to her diverse goodly verses of poets translated into English, to the honour of the King and her, which she highly commended. And when she came to Ludgate, the gate was newly garnished with gold and byse. And on the leads of Saint Martin’s Church stood a goodly choir of singing men and children which sang new ballads made in praise of her. After that she was passed Ludgate she preceded toward Fleet Street where the Conduit was newly painted, and all the arms and angels refreshed, and the chime melodiously sounding. Upon the Conduit was made a town with four turrets, and in every turret stood one of the cardinal virtues with their tokens and properties, which had several speeches, promising the Queen never to leave her, but to be aiding and comforting her. And in the midst of the tower closely was such several solemn instruments, that it seemed to be an heavenly noise, and was much regarded and praised: and beside this the said Conduit ran wine Claret and Red all the afternoon. So she with all her company and the Mayor rode forth to Temple Bar, which was newly painted and repaired, where stood also divers singing men and children, until she came to Westminster Hall, which was richly hanged with clothe of Arras and new glazed. And in the midst of the hall she was taken out of her litter, and so led up to the high dais under the clothe of estate, on whose left hand was a cupboard of ten stages marvellous rich and beautiful to behold, and within a little season was brought to the Queen with a solemn service in great standing spice plates, a void of spice and subtleties with Hippocras and other wines, which she sent down to her ladies, and when the ladies, had drunk she gave hearty thanks to the Lordes and Ladies, and to the Mayor and other that had given their attendance on her, and so withdrew herself with a few ladies to the Whitehall and so to her chamber, and there shifted her, and after went into her barge secretly to the King to his Manor of Westminster where she rested that night.

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 01 Jun 1533. Memorandum, the first dale of June,d Queene Anne (age 32) was brought from Westminster Hall to the Abbey of Sainct Peeter's [Map] with procession, all the monkes of Westminster going in rytch copes of golde with 13 abbotts mitred; and after them all the Kinges Chappell in rych copes with fower bushopps and tow archbishopps mittred, and all the Lordes going in their Perliament roabes,e and the crowne borne afore her by the Duke of Suffolke (age 49), and her tow scepters by tow Earles, and she herself going under a rytch canapie of cloath of golde, apparailed in a kirtell of crymson velvett powdred with ermyns, and a robe of purple velvett furred with powdred ermines over that, and a rich cronett with a calla of pearles and stones on her hedde, and the olde Dutches of Norfolke (age 56)b bearing upp her traine in a robe of scarlett with a cronett of golde on her bonett, and the Lorde Boroughe,c the Queenes Chamberlaine, staying the traine in the middes; and after her tenne ladies following in robes of scarlett furred with ermins and rounde cronettes of golde on their heades; and next after theim all the Queenes maides in gownes of scarlett edged with white lettushe furre; and so was shee brought to Sainct Peeters Church [Map] at Westminster, and their sett in her seate riall, which was made on a high scaffolde before the highe aulter; and their shee was anoynted and crowned Queene of Englande by the Archbishopp of Canterberied1 and the Archbishoppe of Yorke, and so sate crowned in her seate riall all the masse, and offred also at the said masse; and the masse donne, they departed everie man in their degrees to Westminster Hall [Map], she going still under the cannapie crowned with towe septers in hir handes, my Lorde of Wilshire, her father,e1 and the Lorde Talbottf leadinge her, and so theire dynned; wheras was made the most honorable feast that hath beene seene.

The great hall at Westminster was rytchlie hanged with rych cloath of Arras, and a table sett at the upper ende of the hall, going upp twelve greeses,a2 where the Queene dyned; and a rytch cloath of estate hanged over her heade; and also fower other tables alongest the hall; and it was rayled on everie side, from the highe deasse in Westminster Hall to the scaffold in the church in the Abbaj.

And when she went to church to her coronation their was a raye cloath,b2 blew, spreed from the highe dessesc of the Kinges Benche unto the high alter of Westminster, wheron she wente.

Note B. the [her son] Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen (age 23), in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

And when the Queenes grace had washed her handes, then came the Duke of Suffolke (age 49), High Constable that daie and stewarde of the feast, ryding on horsebacke rytchlie apparailed and trapped, and with him, also ridinge on horsebacke, the Lorde William (age 23) Howarde as deputie for the Duke of Norfolke (age 60) in the romthd2 of the Marshall of Englande, and the Queenes servicee2 following them with the Archbishopps, a certaine space betwene which was bornef2 all by knightes, the Archbishopp sitting at the Queenes borde, at the ende, on her left hande.g2 The Earle of Sussex (age 50) was sewer, the Earle of Essex carver, the [her son-in-law] Earle of Darbie (age 24) cuppbearer, the Earle of Arrondell (age 57) butler, the Viscount Lisle (age 69) pantler, the Lord Gray almoner.

Att one of the fower tables sate all the noble ladies all on one side of the hall, at the second table the noble men, at the thirde table the Major of Londonh2 with the Aldermen, att the fowerth table the Barons of the Fortes with the Masters of the Chauncerie. The goodlie dishes with the delicate meates and the settles which were all gilt, with the noble service that daie done by great men of the realme, the goodlie sweete armonie of minstrells with other thinges were to long to expresse, which was a goodlie sight to see and beholde.

And when shee had dined and washed her handes she stoode a while under the canopie of estate, and behelde throwghe the hall, and then were spices brought with other delicates, which were borne all in great high plates of gold, wherof shee tooke a litle refection, and the residue geavinge among the lordes and ladies; and that donne she departed up to the White Hall, and their changed her apparell, and so departed secreetlie by water to Yorke Place [Map], which is called White Hall, and their laie all night.

Note d. Whitsanday. Compare this with the account of the receiving and coronation of Anne Boleyn in MS. Harleian. Cod. 41, arts. 2-5, and MS. Harleian. 543, fol. 119.

Note e. Henry's (age 41) first wife, Katharine of Aragon (age 47), was crowned with him, and a magnificent ceremony was ordained for her successful rival Anne Boleyn, but none of the other wives of Henry were honoured with a coronation.

Note a. A caul was a kind of net in which women inclosed their hair.

Note b. Grandmother (age 56) of Anne Boleyn, being widow of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, whose daughter Elizabeth (age 53) married Sir Thomas Boleyn (age 56), afterwards Earl of Wiltshire, the father of Anne.

Note. b, immediately above, appears to be a mistake? The grandmother of Anne Boleyn was Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey, first wife of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk. He, Thomas, married secondly his first wife's first cousin Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 56) who must be the old Duchess of Norfolk referred to since Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey died in Apr 1497.

Note c. Thomas, Lord Bnrgh of Gainsboroogh (age 45).

d1. In Sir Henry Ellis's Collection of Original Letters occurs a very interesting letter written by Cranmer to the English ambassador at the Emperor's court, giving his own account of the pronouncing of sentence on Katharine and of the coronation of Anne Boleyn (age 32).

e1. Anne Boleyn's father (age 56) had been created Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond on the 8th December, 1529.

a2. Steps or stain, Latin gressus.

b2. Striped cloth.

Note c. Desks.

d2. Room.

e2. Suite.

f2. Occupied.

g2. Stow expressly states that Archbishop Cranmer sat on the right hand of the Queen at the table's end. Ed. 1631, p. 567.

h2. Sir Stephen Pecocke.

Hall's Chronicle 1533. 01 Jun 1533. Sonday being Whit Sunday the first day of June and the day of her Coronation.

On Sunday the Mayor clad in crimson velvet and with his collar and all the Aldermen and Sheriffs in Scarlet and the counsel of the city took their barge at the Crane by seven of the clock and came to Westminster where they were welcomed and brought into the hall by Master Treasurer and other of the King’s house, and so gave their attendance till the Queen should come forth. Between eight and nine she came into the Hall and stood under the clothe of estate, and then came in the King’s Chapel and the monks of Westminster all in rich copes and many Bishops and Abbots in copes and mitres which went into the midst of the hall, and there stood a season. Then was there a ray clothe spread from the Queen’s standing in the hall through the palace and sanctuary, which was railed on both sides to the high Altar of Westminster. After that the ray clothe was cast, the Officers of Armes appointed the order accustomed. First went gentlemen, then esquires, then knights, then the Aldermen of the city in their cloaks of scarlet, after them the Judges in their mantles of scarlet and coifs. Then followed the Knights of the Bathe being no Lords, every man having a white lace on his left sleeve. Then followed Barons and Viscounts in their parliament robes of scarlet. After them came Earles, Marquesses and Dukes in their robes of estate of crimson velvet furred with ermine powdered according to their degrees. After them came the Lord Chancellor in a robe of scarlet open before bordered with lettice: after him came the King’s Chapel and the monks solemnly singing with procession, then came Abbots and Bishops mitred, then Sergeants and Officers of Armes, then after them went the Mayor of London with his mace and garter in his coat of arms. Then went the Marquess Dorset in a robe of estate which bare the sceptre of gold, and the Earl of Arundel which bare the rod of Ivory with the Dove both together. Then went alone the Earl of Oxford High Chamberlain of England which bare the crown, after him went the duke of Suffolk in his robe of estate also for that day being High Steward of England, having a long white rod in his hand, and the Lord William Howard with the Rod of the Marshalship, and every Knight of the Garter had on his collar of the order. Then preceded forth the Queen in a circot and robe of purple velvet furred with ermine in her hair coif and circlet as she had the Saturday, and over her was borne the canopy by four of the five [Cinque] Portes all crimson with points of blue and red hanging on their sleeves, and the Bishops of London and Winchester bare up the lappets of the Queen’s robe. The Queen’s train which was very long was borne by the old Duchess of Norfolk (age 56) after her followed ladies being Lord’s wives which had circots of scarlet with narrow sleeves, the breast all lettice with bars of borders according to their degrees. And over that they had mantels of scarlet furred, and every mantle had lettice about the neck like a neckerchief likewise powdered, so that by the powderings their degree was known. Then followed ladies being Knight’s wives in gowns of scarlet with narrow sleeves without trains only edged with lettice, and likewise had all the Queen’s gentlewomen. When she was thus brought to the high place made in the midst of the church between the choir and the high altar she was set in a riche chair. And after that she had rested a while she descended down to the High Altar and there prostrate herself while the Archbishop of Canterbury said certain collettes: then she rose and the bishop anointed her on the head and on the breast, and then she was led up again, where after diverse Orisons said, the Archbishop set the crown of Saint Edward on her head, and then delivered her the sceptre of gold in her right hand, and the rod of Ivory with the Dove in the left hand, and then all the choir sang Te Deum, §c. Which done the bishop took of the crown of Saint Edward being heavy and set on the crown made for her, and so went to Masse. And when the offertory was begun she descended down and offered being crowned, and so ascended up again and sate in her chair till Agnus. And then she went down and kneeled before the altar where she received of the Archbishop the holy sacrament and then went up to her place again. After that Masse was done she went to Saint Edwardes shrine and there offered, after which offering done she withdrew her into a little place made for the nuns on the one side of the choir. Now in the mean season every Duchess had put on their bonnets a corona of gold wrought with flowers, and every Marquesses put on a demy Coronal of gold, every Countess a plain circlet of gold wrought with flowers, and every King of Armes put on a crown of copper and gilt all which were worn till night. When the Queen had a little reposed her the company returned in the same order that they set forth, and the Queen went crowned and so did the Ladies aforesaid. Her right hand was sustained by the Earl of Wiltshire (age 56) her father, and her left hand by the Lord Talbot deputy for the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Furnival his father. And when she was out of the Sanctuary and appeared within the palace the trumpets played marvellous freshly, and so she was brought to Westminster Hall, and so to her withdrawing chamber, during which time the Lords, Judges, Mayor and Aldermen put of their robes, Mantels and Cloaks, and took their hoods from their necks and cast them about their shoulders, and the Lords sat only in their circots and the Judges and Aldermen in their gowns. And all the Lords that served that day served in their circots and their hoods about their shoulders. Also, diverse officers of the King’s house being no Lords had circots and hoods of scarlet edged with miniver, as the Treasurer, Controller and Master of the Jewel House, but their circots were not gilt.

Letters and Papers 1533. 08 Mar 1533. 212. On St. Matthias' Day the Lady (age 32) received the King at dinner in her chamber richly ornamented with tapestry, and the most beautiful sideboard of gold that ever was seen. The Lady (age 32) sat close on the right of the King, and the old duchess of Norfolk (age 56) on his left. At the lower end of the table, where there was another contiguous and transverse table, sat the Chancellor, Suffolk and many other lords and ladies. During dinner the King was so much occupied with mirth and talk that he said little which could be understood; but he said to the duchess of Norfolk, "Has not the Marchioness (age 32) got a "grand dote and a rich marriage, as all that we see, and the rest of the plate" (with which they had been delighted), "belongs to the Lady (age 32)?" Your Majesty will perceive the King's obstinacy, who, since the execution of the brief, goes on worse than before, as well in this matter as in that of the Queen (age 47), whom he has lately banished 40 miles from here in very great haste, notwithstanding her great entreaty for a delay of eight days, that she might give order for her necessities; and there is no hope that he will do otherwise until he sees sentence given, for the reasons I have already written to you.

On 29 Jun 1533 [her son] William Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 23) and [her daughter-in-law] Margaret Gamage Baroness Howard (age 18) were married. He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 56).

Birth and Christening of Elizabeth I

Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 10 Sep 1533. And the Wednesdaie next followinge,a the most honorable yonge ladie was christened at Greenewychb in the Friers Church, all the noble lordes and ladies doing service about the christening in their Elizabeth. offices after their degrees, which was a goodlie sight to see, and their shee had geaven her to name Elizabeth; my Lord Thomas Cranmer (age 44), Archbishopp of Canterberie, godfather; the old Dutchesse of Northfolke (age 56),c wydowe, my Ladie Marques of Dorcett (age 46), widowe, godmothers at the fonte, and my Ladie Marques of Exceter (age 30) godmother at the bishoppinge;d and the morrowe after their was fiers made in London, and at everie fire a vessell of wyne for people to drinke for the said solempnitie.

Note a. September 10.

Note b. Compare this with the accomit of the maimer of the chrifltening "of the Lady Elisabeth" in MS. Harleian. Cod. 643, fol. 128-80.

Note c. The Dowager Duchess (age 56) of Norfolk carried the infant, in a mantle of purple velvet, with a long train furred with ermine. Hall's "Chronicle" ed. 1809, p. 806.

Note d. Immediately after the christening the Archbishop (age 44) confirmed the infant princess, the Marchioness of Exeter (age 30) being godmother.

On 10 Sep 1533 the future Elizabeth I was christened at the Palace of Placentia, Greenwich [Map].

Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter (age 30), Walter Blount, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 44) and Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset (age 46) were Godparents.

Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu carried the covered gilt basin. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 49) escorted the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk (age 56). Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 16) carried the Salt. Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 36) carried the Chrisom. Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 56) carried Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 37) carried a taper of virgin wax.

[her son-in-law] Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby (age 24), Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 56), Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent (age 38) and George Boleyn Viscount Rochford (age 30) supported the train of the mantle.

[her former step-son] Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 60), [her son] William Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 23), [her son] Thomas Howard (age 22) and John Hussey 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford (age 68) carried the canopy.

On 18 Sep 1534 [her daughter] Elizabeth Howard (age 28) died.

In 1535 [her son] Thomas Howard (age 24) and [her daughter-in-law] Margaret Douglas Countess Lennox (age 19) were married in secret. She the daughter of Archibald Douglas 6th Earl Angus (age 46) and Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland (age 45). He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 58). She a granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

On 17 Mar 1536 [her former sister-in-law] Katherine Howard Baroness Berners died.

Before 12 Jul 1537 [her former step-son] Edmund Howard (age 59) and Margaret Mundy (age 27) were married. The difference in their ages was 32 years. He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey.

Before 12 Jul 1537 [her former step-son] Edmund Howard (age 59) and Dorothy Troyes were married. He the son of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey.

On 31 Oct 1537 [her son] Thomas Howard (age 26) died at the Tower of London [Map]. His body was released to his mother Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 60). He was buried at Thetford Priory, Norfolk [Map].

On 03 Apr 1538 [her former step-daughter] Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 58) died. She was buried at St Mary's Church Lambeth Palace [Map]. Her heir was her only remaining grandchild Mary Boleyn (age 39).

On 19 Mar 1539 [her former step-son] Edmund Howard (age 61) died.

Atfer 1544 [her son-in-law] Henry Daubeney 1st Earl Bridgewater (age 50) and [her daughter] Catherine Howard Countess Bridgewater (age 45) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk and Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 67).

In May 1545 Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 68) died.

Royal Descendants of Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk 1477-1545

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom x 2

Diana Spencer Princess Wales x 11

Ancestors of Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk 1477-1545

Great x 3 Grandfather: Frederick Tilney

Great x 2 Grandfather: Philip Tilney

Great x 1 Grandfather: Frederick Tilney

GrandFather: Philip Tilney

Father: Hugh Tilney

Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk