Biography of Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk 1484-1545

1485 Battle of Bosworth

1503 Marriage of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor

1511 Birth and Death of Prince Henry

1514 Marriage of Mary Tudor and Louis XII of France

1525 Battle of Pavia

1525 Knighting of Henry Fitzroy

1529 Oct Wolsey surrenders the Great Seal

1532 Anne Boleyn's Investiture as Marchioness of Pembroke

1533 Coronation of Anne Boleyn

1533 Birth and Christening of Elizabeth I

1536 Death of Catherine of Aragon

1536 Funeral of Catherine of Aragon and Anne Bolyen's Miscarriage

1536 Trial of Anne Boleyn and her brother George

1536 Execution of Anne Boleyn

1536 Neville Triple Wedding

1537 Birth and Christening Edward VI

1537 Funeral of Jane Seymour

1538 Execution of Friar John Forest

1540 Anne of Cleves Arrival at London

1545 Christening of Henry Wriothesley

Before 1465 Thomas Tyrrell (age 35) and [his mother] Elizabeth Bruyn (age 19) were married.

Around 1473 Thomas Fitzwilliam (age 24) and [his future sister-in-law] Lucy Neville (age 5) were married. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She the daughter of John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Isabel Ingaldsthorpe (age 32).

On 04 Nov 1475 [his father] William Brandon (age 19) and [his mother] Elizabeth Bruyn (age 30) were married at Bishop's Lynn, Norfolk. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England 1239-1307. .

Before 1477 Thomas Scrope 6th Baron Scrope Masham (age 18) and [his future sister-in-law] Elizabeth Neville Baroness Scrope and Despencer were married. They were half second cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She the daughter of John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Isabel Ingaldsthorpe.

Around 1484 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk was born to William Brandon (age 28) and Elizabeth Bruyn (age 39).

Battle of Bosworth

On 22 Aug 1485 King Richard III of England (age 32) was killed during the Battle of Bosworth. His second cousin once removed Henry Tudor (age 28) succeeded VII King England. Earl Richmond forfeit.

Those supporting Henry Tudor included:

John Blount 3rd Baron Mountjoy (age 35).

John Cheney 1st Baron Cheyne (age 43).

Richard Guildford (age 35).

Walter Hungerford (age 21).

Thomas Stanley 1st Earl of Derby (age 50).

John Wingfield.

Edward Woodville Lord Scales (age 29).

Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon (age 26).

Rhys ap Thomas Deheubarth (age 36).

Jasper Tudor 1st Duke Bedford (age 53).

William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont (age 47).

Giles Daubeney 1st Baron Daubeney (age 34).

William Stanley (age 50).

Roger Kynaston of Myddle and Hordley (age 52).

Henry Marney 1st Baron Marney (age 38).

[his father] William Brandon (age 29) was killed.

James Harrington (age 55) was killed.

John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 60) was killed and attainted. He was buried firstly at Thetford Priory, Norfolk [Map] and therafter at Church of St Michael the Archangel, Framlingham [Map]. Duke Norfolk, Baron Mowbray, Baron Segrave forfeit.

John Sacheverell (age 85) was killed.

Philibert Chandee 1st Earl Bath

William Norreys (age 44), Gilbert Talbot (age 33), John de Vere 13th Earl of Oxford (age 42) and John Savage (age 41) commanded,.

Robert Poyntz (age 35) was knighted.

Those who fought for Richard III included:

John Bourchier 6th Baron Ferrers of Groby (age 47).

John Conyers (age 74).

Thomas Dacre 2nd Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 17).

William Berkeley 1st Marquess Berkeley (age 59).

Richard Fitzhugh 6th Baron Fitzhugh (age 28).

John Scrope 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton (age 48).

Thomas Scrope 6th Baron Scrope Masham (age 26).

Henry Grey 4th or 7th Baron Grey of Codnor (age 50).

Edmund Grey 1st Earl Kent (age 68).

Ralph Neville 3rd Earl of Westmoreland (age 29).

John de la Pole 1st Earl Lincoln (age 23).

Humphrey Stafford (age 59).

George Talbot 4th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 17).

Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 42) was wounded, captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London [Map] for three years. He was attainted; Earl Surrey forfeit.

Francis Lovell 1st Viscount Lovell (age 29) fought and escaped.

John Zouche 7th Baron Zouche Harringworth (age 26) was captured.

John Babington (age 62), William Alington (age 65), Robert Mortimer (age 43), Robert Brackenbury, Richard Ratclyffe (age 55) and Richard Bagot (age 73) were killed

Walter Devereux Baron Ferrers of Chartley (age 53) was killed.

William Catesby (age 35) was executed at Leicester, Leicestershire [Map] after the battle.

George Stanley 9th Baron Strange Knockin 5th Baron Mohun Dunster (age 25) held as a hostage by Richard III before the Battle of Bosworth.

Henry Percy 4th Earl of Northumberland (age 36) betrayed King Richard III of England (age 32) by not committing his forces at the Battle of Bosworth.

John Iwardby (age 35) was killed.

In or before 1492 William Smythe (age 12) and [his future sister-in-law] Isabel Neville (age 34) were married. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. The difference in their ages was 22 years. She the daughter of John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Isabel Ingaldsthorpe.

After 1492 Anthony Browne (age 48) and [his future sister-in-law] Lucy Neville (age 24) were married. They were fourth cousins. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. The difference in their ages was 24 years. She the daughter of John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Isabel Ingaldsthorpe.

On 07 Mar 1494 [his mother] Elizabeth Bruyn (age 49) died.

On 22 Oct 1494 Henry Wentworth 4th Baron Despencer (age 46) and [his future sister-in-law] Elizabeth Neville Baroness Scrope and Despencer were married. They were fourth cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She by marriage Baroness Despencer. She the daughter of John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Isabel Ingaldsthorpe.

Marriage of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor

On 08 Aug 1503 King James IV of Scotland (age 30) and [his future sister-in-law] Margaret Tudor (age 13) were married at Holyrood Abbey, Holyrood.They were third cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. at Holyrood Abbey, Holyrood. Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk (age 60) and James Hamilton 1st Earl Arran (age 28) were present. She the daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 46) and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England. He the son of King James III of Scotland and Margaret Oldenburg Queen Consort Scotland.

Cuthbert Cunningham 3rd Earl Glencairn (age 27) was restored 3rd Earl Glencairn.

In 1507 [his illegitimate daughter] Anne Brandon Baroness Grey Powis was born illegitimately to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 23) and [his future wife] Anne Browne.

Before 07 Feb 1507 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 23) and Margaret Neville (age 41) were married. They were half fourth cousins. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She the daughter of John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Isabel Ingaldsthorpe.

After 07 Feb 1507 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 23) and Margaret Neville (age 41) were divorced. The marriage was declared void, the reason is unknown, by the Archdeaconry Court of London, and later by papal bull dated 12 May 1528.

In 1508 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 24) and Anne Browne were married secretly at Stepney [Map]. She, Anne, being the step-daughter of his first wife's (age 42) sister Lucy Neville (age 40). They, Charles and Anne, had possibly been betrothed before his marriage to Margaret Neville (age 42).

After 1508 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 24) and [his wife] Anne Browne were married at St Michael's Church Cornhill.

In 1510 [his daughter] Mary Brandon Baroness Monteagle was born to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 26) and [his wife] Anne Browne.

In 1511 [his wife] Anne Browne died.

Birth and Death of Prince Henry

In Feb 1511 [his future brother-in-law] Henry VIII (age 19) celebrated the birth of his son by holding a magnificent tournament at Westminster [Map]. The challengers included Henry VIII (age 19) who fought as Cuere Loyall, Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 15) as Bon Vouloir, Edward Neville (age 40) as Joyeulx Penser, Thomas Knyvet (age 26) as Valiant Desyr and Thomas Tyrrell.

On Day 1 of the tournament the Answerers included: William Parr 1st Baron Parr of Horton (age 28), Henry Grey 4th Earl Kent (age 16), Thomas Cheney (age 26), Richard Blount and Robert Morton.

On Day 2 of the tournament the Answerers included: Richard Tempest of Bracewell (age 31), Thomas Lucy, Henry Guildford (age 22), Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 27), Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 34), Richard Grey, Leonard Grey 1st Viscount Grane (age 32), Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 38), Edmund Howard (age 33) and Henry Stafford 1st Earl Wiltshire (age 32).

In 1513 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 29) was appointed 273rd Knight of the Garter by [his future brother-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 21).

In 1513 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 29) was betrothed to Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon (age 7). He was created 1st Viscount Lisle in reognition of his betrothal. The contract was annulled, and he surrendered the title.

In or after 1513 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 29) sold the wardship of Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon (age 7) to Catherine York Countess Devon (age 33) for £4000 who thereafter married Elizabeth to her son Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 17).

Calendars. 10 Jan 1513. SIR GILBERT TALBOT. Appointment, by Sir Charles Brandon (age 29), of Sir Gilbert Talbot (age 61) as steward of Chaddesley Corbet and Rybbesford, Worc., 10 Jan. 4 Hen. VIII.

In 1514 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 30) was created 1st Duke Suffolk by [his future brother-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 22). Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon (age 8) by marriage Duchess Suffolk.

On 06 Aug 1514 Archibald Douglas 6th Earl Angus (age 25) and [his future sister-in-law] Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland (age 24) were married. She by marriage Countess Angus. She the daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England.

Marriage of Mary Tudor and Louis XII of France

On 09 Oct 1514 Louis XII King France (age 52) and [his future wife] Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 18) were married at Abbeville, Somme.They were second cousin twice removed. at Abbeville, Somme. She by marriage Queen Consort France. Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset (age 37), Thomas West 8th Baron De La Warr 5th Baron West (age 57), Thomas Brooke 8th Baron Cobham (age 44) and his son George Brooke 9th Baron Cobham (age 17), Bishop Thomas Ruthall (age 42) and Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset (age 27) attended. The difference in their ages was 33 years. She the daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England. He the son of Charles Valois Duke Orléans and Mary La Marck Duchess Orléans.

Wriothesley's Chronicle. 01 Jan 1515. The French King (age 52) died,h and a new peace concluded with the Kinge (age 23) and Francis (age 20),a that tyme new made King of France. And the [his future wife] Ladie Marye (age 18), French Queene, was grawnted her dowrie to be brought into England, and was suffred to have all her goodes and riches. The Duke of Suffolke (age 31), with Sir Richard Wingfeilde (age 46) and Dr. West, and other, sent into France as ambassadors.b A conclusion was made that the saide Duke was weddid to the saide Lady Marie in France and thereupon cam over into Englande, and with them brought oyer all thinges after their mynde.d

Note h. Louis XII (age 52) died 1st January, 1515.

Note a. The Duke of Valois (age 20), who succeeded under the title of Francis I, renewed the alliance with Henry.

Note b. Charles Brandon (age 31), Duke of Suffolk, Sir Richard Wingfield (age 46), and Dr. West, "with a goodly bande of yeomen, all in black" (says Hall), had been sent in embassy to Paris to negociate a settlement of the ex-queen's dower.

Note c. It had been arranged that the Duke (age 31) should conduct the ex-queen (age 18) back to England, and there have married her, but (says Stow) "for doubt of change he married her secretly at Paris, as was said;" it is now ascertained that such was the fact, and that the Duke was reproved for it by Wolsey (age 41), a draught of whose letter is still extant; as is also a letter of Mary to her brother, Heniy Ym., taking the blame on herself.

Note d. The French Chroniclers assert that Mary brought over with her into England jewels, plate, and tapestry belonging to Louis XII. to the value of 200,000 crowns, besides a great diamond called "le miroir de Naples."

In May 1515 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 31) and Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 19) were married. She by marriage Duchess Suffolk. She had married Louis XII King France in Oct 1514; he had died on 01 Jan 1515. Around this time he surrendered the title Viscount Lisle which he had been created in anticipation of this marrige to Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon (age 10) which never took place. She the daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England.

In 1516 Edmund Knyvet (age 8) wardship was sold to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 32) for £400.

On 11 Mar 1516 [his son] Henry Brandon was born to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 32) and [his wife] Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 19).

On 12 Oct 1516 [his sister-in-law] Isabel Neville (age 59) died.

On 17 Jul 1517 [his daughter] Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk was born to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 33) and [his wife] Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 21).

Around Sep 1517 [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Neville Baroness Scrope and Despencer died.

In 1519 [his daughter] Eleanor Brandon Countess Cumberland was born to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 35) and [his wife] Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 22).

Calendars. 17 July [1519]. Egerton, 985. f. 63b. B. M. 3489. Charles Duke of Suffolk (age 35).

"The christening of the Lady [his daughter] Frances (age 2), first begotten daughter of Charles Duke of Suffolk (age 35) and Mary the French Queen (age 23)."

Born at Bishop's Hatfield, Thursday, 17 July 1517, 9 Hen. VIII., between 2 and 3 in the morning. Christened on Saturday following. The road to the church was strewed with rushes; the church porch hung with rich cloth of gold and needlework; the church with arras of the history of Holofernes and Hercules; the chancel, with arras of silk and gold; and the altar with rich cloth of tissue, and covered with images, relics, and jewels. In the said chancel were, as deputies for the Queen and Princess, Lady Boleyn (age 39) and Lady Elizabeth Grey. The Abbot of St. Alban's was godfather. The font was hung with a canopy of crimson satin, powdered with roses, half red and half white, with the sun shining, and fleur de lis gold, and the French Queen's arms in four places, all of needlework. On the way to church were eighty torches borne by yeomen, and eight by gentlemen. The basin, covered, was borne by Mr. Sturton, the taper by Mr. Richard Long, the salt by Mr. Humphrey Barnes, the chrism by Lady Chelton. Mrs. Dorothy Verney bore the young lady, was assisted by the Lord Powes and Sir Roger Pelston, and accompanied by sixty ladies and gentlemen, and the prelates Sir Oliver Poole and Sir Christopher, and other of my Lord's chaplains. She was named Frances, being born on St. Francis's day.

In 1522 [his son] Henry Brandon (age 5) died.

Hall's Chronicle 1522. 02 Feb 1522. The second day of February, the [his brother-in-law] King (age 30) being at Grenewiche, came thether the Cardinal with a Legation from Leo bishop of Rome, and also his ambassadour, on who waited many a nobleman, the King met them at his chamber doore welcoming them as though they hud both come from Rome. Then said the Cardinal, high and victorious King it hath pleased our Lord God to indue your grace with a great multitude of manifolde graces as a King electe in fauor of the high heauen, and so appeareth presently by your noble persone, so formed and figured in shape and stature with force and pulchritude, which signifieth the pre- sent pleasure of our Lord God wrought in your noble grace. And further he praised his wisedome, prudence and learning, with many other goodly wordes in the praise of his most noble grace. And finally the Cardinal declared how the said bishop of Rome had sent his highness an Acte in Bull vnder leade, declaring therin his grace to be the defender of the Christian fayth, and his successors for euermore.

And when his grace had receiued the said Bull and caused it to be redde and published, he went to his chapell to heare Masse accompanied with many nobles of his realme and also with Ambassadors of sundry princes, the Cardinall being reuested to sing masse, the Erle of Essex brought the Bason with water, the duke of Suffolke (age 38) gaue thassay, the duke of Northfolke (age 49) helde the towell, and so preceded to Masse. And that done gaue vnto all them that heard the masse cleane remission and blessed the King and the Queen and all the people: then was the Bull eftsones declared, and trumpettes blew, the shalmes and saggebuttes plaied in honour of the Kinges newe style. Thus his highness went to dinner in the middes whereof the kvncr of Heraldes and his compaignie began the larges, criing Henricus dei gratia rex Anglie, and Francie, defensor fidei; and dominus Hibernie thus ended the dinner, with much habundance of vitaill and wyne, to all maner of people.

Hall's Chronicle 1522. Mar 1522. In the moneth of Marche, as you haue hard [heard] before, came certain noble men from the Emperor (age 22) to the King, which the more to solace them enterprised a lustes [Jousts], he himself was chief on the one side, his courser was barded in cloth of siluer, of Denmarke embrodered with. L. L. L. of gold, and vnder the letters a harte of a manne wounded, and greate rolles of gold with blacke letters, in which was written, mon nauera, put together it is, ell mon ceur a nauera, she hath wounded my harte, and thesame suite was his base.

Then folowed Sir Nicolas Carewe (age 26), his base and barde was white Damaske, on which was embraudered with Clothe of gold: a prison and a man loKing out at a grate, and ouer the prison came from the prisoner a rolle, in which was written in Frenche, in prison I am at libertie, and at libertie I am in prison, and all his apparell was garded with shakettes of siluer.

Then folowed therle of Deuonshire (age 26), the lord Roos (age 30) in one suite, their apparell was white veluet, embraudered with cloth of gold, wrought in deuice an harte, trauersed crosse wise with a chayne, the which deuided the bard in foure quarters, in twoo quarters was a hand of gold holding a spere of the worlde, on the other twoo quarters was twoo handes holding two plumes of fethers, and on the borders were written my harte is betwene ioye and pein.

Then folowed Anthony Kingston, and Anthony Kneuet, their apparell was a hart bounde in a blewe lace, embroudered on Crimosyn sattin: and written about with letters of gold, my harte is bounde.

Nicholas Darrel had a bard and base of black sattin, embraudered full of hartes, turned or broken of gold, and written in letters ot siluer, my harte is broken.

Last of that bend was [his former brother-in-law] Anthony Broune (age 22), which had a bard of siluer full of speeres of the world broken, set on hartes broken al of gold written aboule in letters of blacke sance remedy, without remedy.

Then entered the Duke of Suffolk (age 38) and his bend, all in bardes and bases of russet veluet and cloth of siluer, embraudered with braunches of paunces of gold, at these lustes [Lists ie Jousting] were many speres broken, which the straungiers highly commended.

Hall's Chronicle 1522. 03 Jun 1522. The Wednesday, the more to do the Emperor pleasure, was prepared a Justes royall: on the one part was the Kinge, the erle of Devonshire (age 26) and x. [10] more compaignions, al mounted on horsbacke, their apparell and bardes, were of rich Cloth of gold, embroudered wyth sylver letters, very ryche, with great plumes on their heades. This compaignie tooke the felde, and rode aboute the tilt: then entered the Duke of Suffolke (age 38), and the Marques Dorset (age 44), and x. [10] with them barded, and their apparell was russet velvet, embroudered wyth sundery knottes, and culpyns of gold. The Emperor and the Queen (age 36), with al the nobles stood in the galery, to behold the doing. The [his brother-in-law] King (age 30) ran at the Duke of Suffolke (age 38) viii. [8] courses, and at every course brake his spere. Then every man ran his courses and that done, all ranne together volant, as faste as they could discharge, and when the speres appointed were broken, then they disarmed and went to supper. After supper, the Emperor beheld the ladies daunces, and sodainly came to the chamber, sixe noble men, appareled in Crimosin velvet and cloth of gold, and a mantell of Taffeta, rolled about their bodies, and hoddes and bonettes of cloth of gold, on their heddes, and velvet buskyns on their legges: these Maskers entred and daunced a great while wyth the ladies, and sodainly entred syx other Maskers with drumslades, appareled in long gounes, and hoddes of cloth of gold, of whych number was the King, the duke of Suffolke (age 38), the prince of Orenge, the countie of Nassow, the countie of Naveray, and MonSire Egremond. When these maskers wer entred, the other avoyded, and then thei toke ladies and daunsed, so that the straungiers much praised them: and when the time came, every person departed to their lodging.

Around 1523 [his son] Henry Brandon was born to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 39) and [his wife] Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 26).

In 1525 [his son-in-law] Edward Grey 3rd Baron Grey of Powis (age 22) and [his illegitimate daughter] Anne Brandon Baroness Grey Powis (age 18) were married. He a great x 4 grandson of Henry IV King England 1367-1413. She by marriage Baroness Grey of Powis 1482. She the daughter of Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 41) and Anne Browne.

Battle of Pavia

Wriothesley's Chronicle. 09 Mar 1525. This yeare, the 9th day of Marche,c tidinges were brought to the Kinge (age 33) that Francis (age 30), the French King, was taken prisoner before the cittie Pavie, in Italie, by the Duke of Burbon (age 35), capteyn of the Emperoures (age 25) hoste,d and 14,000 French men slayne at the same feild.

And the Archbishop of Yorke (age 52), cardinall and legatt de latere, songe masse the same tyme in Paules churche [Map], in his "pontificalibus,"e and 11 bishopps and abbotts, with their miters, beinge present, the Duke of Northfolke (age 52) and the Duke of Suffolke (age 41), with all the nobles of the realme. And the saide Cardinall (age 52) grawnted the same to all manner of persons, beinge within the precinct of the churche in the tyme of the masse, plenary remission of their synnes, à pœná et culpá; and, after masse, Te Deum was sunge for the sayde victorie,a the Major,b Aldermen, with the head craftes of the cittie standinge in the bodie of the churche in theyr liveries; and that night great fiers were made in divers places of the cittie, with vessells of wyne at everie fier for the people to drincke.

Note c. Francis I was made prisoner on the 24th February.

Note d. Charles Duke of Bourbon (age 35), Constable of France, being persecuted by Francis I for refusing to marry Louisa of Savoy (age 48), the French King's (age 30) mother, sought the protection of the Emperor Charles V (age 25) by whom he was appointed his lieutenant in Italy.

Note e. After Wolsey (age 52) had been invested by Pope Leo X with the sole legatine power in England, he was wont to say mass on state occasions after the manner of the Pope himself.

Note a. The victory gained by the Imperialists over the French before Pavia so changed the aspect of affairs on the continent that Henry at first entertained a project forinvading France, and asserting his claim to that crown.

Note b. Sir John Allen.

Knighting of Henry Fitzroy

On 18 Jun 1525 Henry Fitzroy (age 6) was taken by barge to Bridewell Palace [Map] where he was enobled by his father [his brother-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 33).

In the morning Henry Fitzroy (age 6) was created 1st Earl Nottingham.

In the afternoon Henry Fitzroy (age 6) was created 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset.

Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland (age 47) carried the Sword of State. Thomas More (age 47) read the patents of nobility. Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 41), Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset (age 47),

Henry Counrtenay (age 29) was created 1st Marquess Exeter. Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter (age 22) by marriage Marchioness Exeter.

Henry Clifford (age 32) was created 1st Earl of Cumberland, Warden of the West Marches and Governor of Carlisle Castle.

Thomas Manners (age 33) was created 1st Earl of Rutland. Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland (age 30) by marriage Countess Rutland. He was given the Earldom of Rutland to reflect his descent from Anne York Duchess Exeter sister of the previous Earl of Rutland. At the same time his arms Manners Arms were augmented with the Manners Augmented Arms

[his son] Henry Brandon (age 2) was created 1st Earl Lincoln.

Robert Radclyffe (age 42) was created 1st Viscount Fitzwalter.

Around 18 Jun 1525 [his son-in-law] Henry Clifford 2nd Earl of Cumberland (age 8) and [his daughter] Eleanor Brandon Countess Cumberland (age 6) were married at Bridewell Palace [Map]. They were half third cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She a granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland 1457-1509. [his brother-in-law] King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 33) was present. She the daughter of Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 41) and Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 29). He the son of Henry Clifford 1st Earl of Cumberland (age 32) and Margaret Percy Baroness Clifford (age 25).

Before 1526 [his former brother-in-law] Anthony Browne (age 26) and Alice Gage (age 19) were married. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. .

Before 1526 Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester (age 30) and [his former sister-in-law] Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester (age 23) were married. They were fourth cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She by marriage Countess Worcester. He the son of Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester (age 65) and Elizabeth Herbert 3rd Baroness Herbert Raglan.

On 19 Oct 1526 William Willoughby 11th Baron Willoughby (age 44) died at Parham, Suffolk [Map]. He was buried at All Saints Church, Mettingham Bungay [Map]. His daughter [his future wife] Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 7) succeeded 12th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby. Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 7) became a ward of [his brother-in-law] Henry VIII (age 35).

Before 1527 [his son-in-law] Thomas Stanley 2nd Baron Monteagle (age 19) and [his daughter] Mary Brandon Baroness Monteagle (age 16) were married. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She by marriage Baroness Monteagle. She the daughter of Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 42) and Anne Browne.

On 13 Jan 1528 [his wife] Margaret Neville (age 62) died.

On 01 Mar 1528 [his brother-in-law] Henry VIII (age 36) sold the wardship of [his future wife] Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 8) to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 44) who subsequently married her.

On 03 Mar 1528 Henry Stewart 1st Lord Methven (age 33) and [his sister-in-law] Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland (age 38) were married. She the daughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland and Elizabeth York Queen Consort England.

Wriothesley's Chronicle. Oct 1529. And this yeare, in October 1529, Sir Thomas More (age 51), Chauncellor of the Dutchie, was made Chauncellor of Englande, and sworne in the Chauncerie the first day of Michaellmasse terme; the Duke of Northfolke (age 56) and the Duke of Suffolke (age 45) leadinge him thorowe Westminster Hall up into the Chauncerie.

1529 Oct Wolsey surrenders the Great Seal

On 17 Oct 1529 Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (age 56) surrendered the Great Seal to Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 56) and Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 45).

Calendars. 25 Oct 1529. Rym. XIV. 349. 6025. Card. Wolsey (age 56).

Memorandum of the surrender of the Great Seal by Cardinal Wolsey, on 17 Oct., to the dukes of Norfolk (age 56) and Suffolk (age 45), in his gallery at his house at Westminster, at 6 o'clock p.m., in the presence of Sir Wm. Fitzwilliam (age 39), John Tayler, and Stephen Gardiner (age 46). The same was delivered by Tayler to the [his brother-in-law] King (age 38) at Windsor [Map], on the 20 Oct., by whom it was taken out and attached to certain documents, in the presence of Tayler and Gardiner, Hen. Norris (age 47), Thos. Heneage (age 49), Ralph Pexsall, clerk of the Crown, John Croke, John Judd, and Thos. Hall, of the Hanaper.

On the 25th Oct. the seal was delivered by the King at East Greenwich to Sir Thos. More (age 51), in the presence of Hen. Norres (age 47) and Chr. Hales, Attorney General, in the King's privy chamber; and on the next day, Tuesday, 26 Oct., More took his oath as Chancellor in the Great Hall [Map] at Westminster, in presence of the dukes of Norfolk (age 56) and Suffolk (age 45), Th. marquis of Dorset (age 52), Hen. marquis of Exeter (age 33), John earl of Oxford (age 58), Hen. earl of Northumberland (age 27), Geo. earl of Shrewsbury (age 61), Ralph earl of Westmoreland (age 31), John bishop of Lincoln (age 56), Cuthbert bishop of London (age 55), John bishop of Bath and Wells, Sir Rob. Radclyf, viscount Fitzwater (age 46), Sir Tho. Boleyn, viscount Rocheforde (age 52), Sir Wm.Sandys, Lord (age 52) and others.

Close Roll, 21 Hen. VIII. m. 19d.

Calendars. 25 Oct 1529. Bradford, 256. 6026. Chapuys (age 39) to Charles V (age 29).

On the receipt of your letter on Thursday the 21st, dated Piacenza, I sent to Windsor to ask for an audience. As the administration has fallen principally into the hands of the duke of Norfolk (age 56), and the communication is more agreeable to him than that of the marriage, I hastened to visit him. The Cardinal (age 56), who was dis-evangelised on the day of St. Luke the Evangelist (18 Oct.), has been deprived of his offices. I was received by the Duke with great distinction, and expressed to him the regard in which you had always held him for his goodwill. He seemed highly pleased, and said that he and his family had always been attached to the house of Burgundy; that no one more lamented the late disagreements than himself, but that all the evil and misunderstanding ought to be attributed to those who formerly directed the King's councils, acting by their own will and authority, with which the King himself was often dissatisfied.

In reply to his remark that he should like to serve your Majesty against the Turk, I praised his virtuous feelings, and told him that was the main object of my communication; but for the better security of peace, which the King had done so much to establish, one unhappy difference between himself and the Queen remained to be settled. I told him that, however strongly he might feel from family considerations, he could not but feel as a true knight, nor act otherwise than if it had been his own daughter, and as conscience directed; and that your Majesty was convinced that he had not been the promoter of this step. He replied that he would sooner have lost one of his hands than that such a question should have arisen; but it was entirely a matter of law and conscience, and he had never been appealed to; that it had been submitted to ecclesiastics and doctors, who had pronounced against the validity of the marriage; that if the dispensation you held was illegal, the King would consider himself the most abused prince in Christendom; and that if you had not declared yourself in it so openly, it might have sooner been brought to a satisfactory issue. I explained to him the constraint under which you acted; and that, as to the king of England not having declared himself a party in the matter, it was clear that he had done so from the proceedings of the English ambassadors at Rome. Finding he remained thoughtful, I changed the subject. Shortly after he turned to me with a laugh, and said, "How glad the Emperor will be to hear of this fall of the Cardinal (age 56), and his loss of office?" I answered, I thought you would, but not from any hatred you had to the Cardinal (age 56); and that he could have done neither good nor ill to you, and was not of such importance as that you would care to be avenged, or trouble yourself about his disgrace; but what you rejoiced at was, that the king of England would now learn who had been his evil counsellors, and leave the management of affairs to men who from birth and circumstances were more competent. I told him that I was the first who had broken through the chain of paying court to the Cardinal (age 56), and addressed myself to him. He thanked me for my good intentions, and said that the government was managed not by an individual but by the Council, where he usually assisted, and would promote Your Majesty's interests.

In order to please the Duke (age 56) I asked him what I should do, although I had already sent one of my secretaries to the King. He told me that the King had ordered that application should be made direct to himself, before any other person was acquainted with the communication. He followed me to the hall, using very courteous language.

On the 22nd my secretary returned from Windsor, stating that the King would be at Greenwich on Saturday, and I was to go the day after. On my reaching Greenwich [Map] I found a civil gentleman, named Poller (Bollen?), sent by the King to conduct me to the palace. There I found the bishop of London (age 55), who led me to the King's antechamber, where the Court was assembled, and was received by two dukes and the archbishop of Canterbury (age 79). I conversed with these lords, waiting for the King to go to mass; and we talked of the conference at Bologna. The King, on going to mass, came directly to me, and taking me by the sleeve said, with the utmost graciousness, "You have news from my brother the Emperor." On answering Yes, he asked the date, and then said your Majesty was very careful to give him information. I assured him that you were anxious to make him partaker of all affairs, and thus show your brotherly affection. I then presented your letters, and, as to the particulars of my credentials, he said that the ambassadors in your court were authorised to treat about them. Speaking of your going into Italy I bespoke his good offices.

On his return from mass, he came up to me again, and resumed the subject. When we talked of the necessity of resisting the Turk, and of the Pope's arrival at Bologna on the 5th, I said I thought it advisable that he should commission his ambassadors with the Pope to treat; and I combated his remark that he could do but little against the Turk, seeing he was wealthy, and as absolute in his dominions as the Pope. He urged that this affair was chiefly yours, and if you wished to accomplish it you must make peace with the princes of Italy. I assured him you had never ceased from efforts in this direction. The conversation then turned on the duke Francesco Sforza; and I urged, in opposition to his remark, that your proceedings were as favorable to the Duke as could be. He objected to the cession of Pavia and Alexandria, alleging the cruelties which had taken place at Sienna. I told him Pavia was out of dispute, as it was already given up. "Between ourselves," said he, "I think it is a great shame that whilst the Turk is in Austria, the patrimony of the Emperor, he should not rescue it, but make war upon Christians." On my urging the danger that might be expected from Sforza and the Venetians if your troops were withdrawn, he urged that neither could do anything. Shortly after, changing his tone, he said, with some emphasis, "My brother the king of France has made your Emperor a marvellous offer." This he repeated three times. I said, if it were so, he had now done a virtuous part, and kept his professions. After various other topics it grew late. Not a word was said of the Queen. After dinner he asked me if I had anything more to say.

All here are satisfied with the treaty of Cambray. As for the observance of it, the Queen, as I have already written, has expressed her doubt of its duration. It is supposed to have cost this King 800,000 ducats. He is not therefore likely to break it. People here are not very anxious to repeat the dose, as it is not to their taste. At present they seem on good terms with the French. The ambassador has been only once at court with his brother since my arrival. He has been commanded to deliver his message to the Council, and abstain from communication with the Cardinal; at which he was greatly vexed. Various ambassadors are here. The most in favour is the Milanese, on whom the King has spent money. Those who are now in most credit are the dukes of Norfolk (age 56) and Suffolk (age 45). There is not a single person about the King who is not saturated with French money; and though they profess great affection to you, their affection for money is much stronger. I have submitted the proposition to the King respecting the sea being kept free from pirates. He has ordered a good reception for Mons. Rosymbez.

The downfall of the Cardinal (age 56) is complete. He is dismissed from the Council, deprived of the Chancellorship, and constrained to make an inventory of his goods in his own hand, that nothing may be forgotten. It is said that he has acknowledged his faults, and presented all his effects to the King. Yesterday the King returned to Greenwich by water secretly, in order to see them, and found them much greater than he expected. He took with him "sa mye" (his darling-Ann Boleyn (age 28)), her mother (age 49), and a gentleman of his chamber (Norris?) The Cardinal, notwithstanding his troubles, has always shown a good face, especially towards the town, but since St. Luke's Day all has been changed to sighs and tears night and day. The King, either moved by pity, or for fear if he should die the whole extent of his effects would not be found, sent him a ring for his comfort. He has withdrawn with a small attendance to a place ten miles off. They have sent for his son from Paris. People say execrable things of him, all which will be known at this Parliament. But those who have raised the storm will not let it abate, not knowing, if he returned to power, what would become of them. The ambassador of France commiserates him most. It was feared the Cardinal (age 56) would get his goods out of the country, and therefore a strict watch was kept at the ports, and the watch insisted on opening the coffers of cardinal Campeggio (age 54), notwithstanding his passport, and, on his refusal, broke open the locks. He said they had done him great wrong to suppose that he could be corrupted by the Cardinal, since he had been proof against the innumerable presents offered him by the King.

The Chancellor's seal has remained in the hands of the duke of Norfolk (age 56) till this morning, when it was transferred to Sir Thomas More (age 51). Every one is delighted at his promotion, because he is an upright and learned man, and a good servant of the Queen. He was chancellor of Lancaster, an office now conferred on the Sieur Villeury (Fitzwilliam). Richard Pace, a faithful servant of your Majesty, whom the Cardinal had kept in prison for two years, as well in the Tower of London as in a monastery (Syon House), is set at liberty. Unless his mind should again become unsettled, it is thought he will rise in higher favour at Court than ever.

There is a young man here, sent by the duke of Saxony, who has much business with the King and the bishop of London (age 55).

Of the King's affair there is nothing new to communicate, except what the bishop of London (age 55) has told me, that Dr. Stokesley (age 54) had been sent to France to consult the doctors of Paris. The Queen begs your Majesty will send some respectable person there to do the same, for without some definitive sentence the King will remain obstinate in his opinions. She thinks that delay will be more dangerous than profitable, and therefore we have thought it desirable not to consent to the postponement demanded. To avoid creating suspicion in the mind of the King, she thinks I had better cease to visit her, but she will provide means for my speaking with her in private. London, 25 Oct. 1529.

P.S.-Two days after I had written the above, the Cardinal (age 56) was definitively condemned by the Council, declared a rebel, and guilty of high treason for having obtained a legatine bull, whereby he had conferred many benefices in the King's patronage. He has been deprived of his dignities, his goods confiscated, and himself sentenced to prison until the King shall decide. This sentence was not given in his presence, but to his two proctors. This he will not find easy of digestion, but worse remains behind (mais encoures ne serat il quicte pour le prix).

Wriothesley's Chronicle. 29 Oct 1530. This yeare, the morrowe after Simon and Jude,c which was the Majors feast, there dyned in the Guylde hall [Map] at the said feast the Lorde Chauncellor of Englande (age 52), the Duke of Northfolke (age 57), the Duke of Suffolke (age 46), and 9 Earles and a Bishopp, sittinge all at one table, prepared in the Majors courte in the Guyld hall [Map], and two other side tables sittinge with lordes and knightes.

Note c. October 29.

Calendars. April 23 [1532]. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvi. p. 167. 761. Carlo Capello to the Signory.

Received the Signory's letters of the 8th January and 11th March, with the advices from Constantinople. Went to the Court, and by the King's order conferred with the Duke of Norfolk, to whom communicated the advices, and justified the Signory for having exacted a loan from the clergy, about which the Duke appeared to know nothing, but was not sorry to hear it, because at the last session of Parliament the annats payable at Rome were abolished.

At the moment of his arrival at the Court, one of the chief gentlemen in the service of said Duke of Norfolk, with 20 followers, assaulted and killed in the sanctuary of Westminster Sir (D'no) William Peninthum (sic) chief gentleman and kinsman of the Duke of Suffolk (age 48). In consequence of this, the whole Court was in an uproar, and had the Duke of Suffolk (age 48) been there, it is supposed that a serious affray would have taken place. On hearing of what had happened, he (Suffolk) was on his way to remove the assailants by force from the sanctuary, when the King sent the Treasurer [Thomas Cromwell] to him, and made him return, and has adjusted the affair; and this turmoil displeased him. It is said to have been caused by a private quarrel, but I am assured it was owing to opprobrious language uttered against Madam Anne (age 31) by his Majesty's sister, the [his wife] Duchess of Suffolk (age 36), Queen Dowager of France.

The affair of the divorce becomes daily more difficult. The Bishops of France and of this island replied lately that they could not assent to it without the Pope's consent, because, when created, they swear not to oppose the Pope's wishes; and the King's desire increases; whilst by letters from Rome it is heard that in all the debates the Queen may be styled King of this island, by reason of the love the people bear her, for her goodness and wisdom.

Yesterday, Monseigneur Falconetto arrived here in 15 days from the Emperor, to demand assistance against the Turk. He went this morning to the Court with another Imperial ambassador resident here.

London, 23rd April. Registered by Sanuto 31st May.

[Italian.]

Anne Boleyn's Investiture as Marchioness of Pembroke

On 01 Sep 1532 Queen Anne Boleyn of England (age 31) was created 1st Marquess Pembroke with [his brother-in-law] Henry VIII (age 41) performing the investiture at Windsor Castle [Map]. Note she was created Marquess rather than the female form Marchioness alhough Marchioness if a modern form that possibly didn't exist at the time.

Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 55), Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 48), Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 59), Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland (age 37), Jean Dinteville, Archbishop Edward Lee (age 50), Bishop John Stokesley (age 57) were present.

Bishop Stephen Gardiner (age 49) read the Patent of Creation.

Mary Howard Duchess Richmond and Somerset (age 13) carried Anne's (age 31) train replacing her mother Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 35) who had been banished from Court. Anne (age 31) and Mary (age 13) were cousins.

Charles Wriothesley (age 24) attended.

In 1533 [his son-in-law] Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 16) and [his daughter] Frances Brandon Duchess of Suffolk (age 15) were married. They were half second cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She a granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland 1457-1509. She by marriage Marchioness Dorset. She the daughter of Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 49) and Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 36). He the son of Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset and Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset (age 46).

Wriothesley's Chronicle. Around 08 Apr 1533. And the Wednesdaie before the good Queene Katherinf was deposed at Hanthill [Map]a by the Duke of Norfolke (age 60), the Duke of Suffolke (age 49), and Lord Marques of Exceter (age 37), my Lorde of Oxforde (age 62), Lord Chamberlaine of the Kinges howse, Mr. Treasorer and Mr. Controwler of the Kinges howse. And from that dale after to be called Ladie Catherin, wife of Prince Arthur, dowarie of Englande,b she to have by yearelie pencion for her dowarie eight thousand poundes sterlinge.

Note f. The general opinion in England was distinctly adverse to the divorce. See Calendar of State Papers preserved in the Archives of Venice, vol. iv. 1532-3.

Note a. Ampthill [Map], in Bedfordshire, to which place Queen Katharine retired while the question of her dirorce was under discussion. This castle had been erected by Lord Fanhope, and reverted with the manor to the Crown in the reign of Edward IV, by whom it was conferred on Lord Grey of Ruthin, Earl of Kent, from whose descendants it passed again to the Crown about 1530, and became a palace of Henry VIII (age 41).

Note b. Princess Dowager of Wales, which designation was displeasing to the ex-queen, who refused to resign herself to the judgment passed. She went so far as to obliterate with her own pen the words "Princess Dowager" whererer they had been written by her Chamberlain, Mountjoy (age 55), in his report to the King (age 41).

Coronation of Anne Boleyn

Wriothesley's Chronicle. 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 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 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. [his brother-in-law] 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.

Ellis' Letters S1 V2 Letter CXIV. 01 Jun 1533. Nowe than on Soundaye was the Coronacion, which allso was of such a maner.

In the mornynge ther assembled withe me at Westminster Churche the bysshop of Yorke, the Bishop of London (age 58), the Bishop of Wynchester (age 50), the Bishop of Lyncoln (age 60), the Bishop of Bathe, and the Bishop of Saint Asse (age 58), the Abbote of Westminstre with x or xij moo Abbottes, whiche all revestred ourselfs in our pontificalibus, and, soo furnysshed, withe our Crosses and Crossiers, procedid oute of th' Abbey in a procession unto Westminstre Hall, where we receyved the Queene (age 32) apareled in a Robe of purple velvet, and all the ladyes and gentillwomen in robes and gownes of scarlet accordyng to the maner vsed before tyme in such besynes: and so her Grace sustayned of eche syde with ij to bysshops, the Bysshope of London (age 58) ande the Bysshop of Wynchester (age 50), came furthe in processyon unto the Churche of Westminster, she in her here, my Lord of Suffolke (age 49) berying before herr the Crowne, and ij to other Lords beryng also before her a Ceptur and a white Rodde, and so entred up into the highe Alter, where diverse Ceremoneys used aboute her, I did sett the Crowne on her hedde, and then was songe Te Deum, &c. And after that was song a solempne Masse, all which while her grace sjatt crowned upon a scaffold whiche was made betwene the Highe Alter and the Qwyer in Westminstre Churche; which Masse and ceremonyes donne and fynysshed, all the Assemble of noble men broughte her into Westminstre Hall agayne, where was kepte a great solempne feaste all that daye; the good ordre therof were to longe to wrytte at this tyme to you. But nowe Sir you may nott ymagyn that this Coronacion was before her mariege, for she was maried muche about sainte Paules daye last, as the condicion therof dothe well appere by reason she ys nowe sumwhat bygg with chylde. Notwithstandyng yt hath byn reported thorowte a greate parte of the realme that I (age 43) maried her; whiche was playnly false, for I myself knewe not therof a fortenyght after yt was donne. And many other thyngs be also reported of me, whiche be mere lyes and tales.

Other newys have we none notable, but that one Fryth, whiche was in the Tower in pryson, was appoynted by the Kyngs grace to be examyned befor me, my Lorde of London, my lorde of Wynchestre, my Lorde of Suffolke, my Lorde Channcelour, and my Lorde of Wylteshere, whose opynion was so notably erroniouse, that we culde not dyspache hym but was fayne to leve hym to the determynacion of his Ordinarye, whiche ys the bishop of London. His said opynyon ys of suche nature that he thoughte it nat necessary to be beleved as an Article of our faythe, that ther ys the very corporall presence of Christe within the Oste and Sacramente of the Alter, and holdethe of this poynte muste after the Opynion of Oecolampadious. And suerly I myself sent for hym iij or iiij tymes to perswade hym to leve that his Imaginacion, but for all that we could do therin he woulde not applye to any counsaile, notwithstandyng nowe he ys at a fynall ende with all examinacions, for my Lorde of London hathe gyven sentance and delyuerd hym to the secular power, where he loketh every daye to goo unto the fyer. And ther ys also condempned with hym one Andrewe a taylour of London for the said self same opynion.

And thus farr you well, from my manor of Croydon the xvij. daye of June.

Note a. Hall, Chron. edit. 1809. p. 794. Holinsh. edit. 1808. vol. iii. p. 777.

Note b. Queen Elizabeth was born on September the 7th. 1533.

Note c. Stow, Ann. edit. 1631. p. 562.

Note d. Herb. Life of Hen. VIII. edit. 1649. p. 341. Bumet in his History of the Reformation has likewise fallen into this error.

Note e. Lingard's Hist Engl. 1st. edit. vol. iv. p. 190.

a1. re-journying.

a2. shaums.

b2. all day.

Wriothesley's Chronicle. 23 Jun 1533. This yeare, on Midsommer eaven, died the [his wife] French Queene (age 37),a sister to the Kinge (age 41), and wife to the Duke of Suffolke (age 49), and was buried at Sainct Edmondesburie in Suffolke.

Note a. Mary (age 37), sister to Henry VIII (age 41) and Queen Dowager of France, died at the manor of Westhorpe [Map], in Suffolk, on the 23rd June, and was buried (July 22) at the monastery of St. Edmondsbury, where her corpse was found in a perfect state on September 6th, 1784, being 251 years after her interment.

On 23 Jun 1533, or 25 Jun 1533 for which the source is unclear, [his wife] Mary Tudor Queen Consort France (age 37) died at Westhorpe, Suffolk [Map].

On 07 Sep 1533 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 49) and Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 14) were married. She by marriage Duchess Suffolk. The difference in their ages was 35 years.

Birth and Christening of Elizabeth I

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 Suffolk (age 49) escorted the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk (age 56). [his son-in-law] 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.

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.

Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 60), William Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 23), Thomas Howard (age 22) and John Hussey 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford (age 68) carried the canopy.

Around 27 Mar 1534 [his former sister-in-law] Lucy Neville (age 66) died at Bagshot Manor, Surrey.

On 25 Jun 1535 [his illegitimate brother-in-law] Roland de Velville (age 64) died. He was buried at Beaumaris.

On 18 Sep 1535 [his son] Henry Brandon 2nd Duke of Suffolk was born to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 51) and [his wife] Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 16).

Death of Catherine of Aragon

Calendars. 21 Jan 1536. Eustace Chapuys (age 46) to the Emperor (age 35).

The good Queen (deceased) breathed her last at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Eight hours afterwards, by the [his former brother-in-law] King's (age 44) express commands, the inspection of her body was made, without her confessor or physician or any other officer of her household being present, save the fire-lighter in the house, a servant of his, and a companion of the latter, who proceeded at once to open the body. Neither of them had practised chirurgy, and yet they had often performed the same operation, especially the principal or head of them, who, after making the examination, went to the bishop of Llandaff, the Queen's confessor, and declared to him in great secrecy, and as if his life depended on it, that he had found the Queen's (deceased) body and the intestines perfectly sound and healthy, as if nothing had happened, with the single exception of the heart, which was completely black, and of a most hideous aspect; after washing it in three different waters, and finding that it did not change colour, he cut it in two, and found that it was the same inside, so much so that after being washed several times it never changed colour. The man also said that he found inside the heart something black and round, which adhered strongly to the concavities. And moreover, after this spontaneous declaration on the part of the man, my secretary having asked the Queen's physician whether he thought the Queen (deceased) had died of poison, the latter answered that in his opinion there was no doubt about it, for the bishop had been told so under confession, and besides that, had not the secret been revealed, the symptoms, the course, and the fatal end of her illness were a proof of that.


No words can describe the joy and delight which this King (age 44) and the promoters of his concubinate (age 35) have felt at the demise of the good Queen (deceased), especially the earl of Vulcher (age 59), and his son (age 33), who must have said to themselves, What a pity it was that the Princess (age 19) had not kept her mother (deceased) company. The King (age 44) himself on Saturday, when he received the news, was heard to exclaim, "Thank God, we are now free from any fear of war, and the time has come for dealing with the French much more to our advantage than heretofore, for if they once suspect my becoming the Emperor's friend and ally now that the real cause of our enmity no longer exists I shall be able to do anything I like with them." On the following day, which was Sunday, the King (age 44) dressed entirely in yellow from head to foot, with the single exception of a white feather in his cap. His bastard daughter (age 2) was triumphantly taken to church to the sound of trumpets and with great display. Then, after dinner, the King (age 44) went to the hall, where the ladies were dancing, and there made great demonstration of joy, and at last went into his own apartments, took the little bastard (age 2), carried her in his (age 44) arms, and began to show her first to one, then to another, and did the same on the following days. Since then his joy has somewhat subsided; he has no longer made such demonstrations, but to make up for it, as it were, has been tilting and running lances at Grinduys [Map]. On the other hand, if I am to believe the reports that come to me from every quarter, I must say that the displeasure and grief generally felt at the Queen's (deceased) demise is really incredible, as well as the indignation of the people against the King (age 44). All charge him with being the cause of the Queen's (deceased) death, which I imagine has been produced partly by poison and partly by despondency and grief; besides which, the joy which the King (age 44) himself, as abovesaid, manifested upon hearing the news, has considerably confirmed people in that belief.

Great preparations are being made for the burial of the good Queen (deceased), and according to a message received from Master Cromwell (age 51) the funeral is to be conducted with such a pomp and magnificence that those present will scarcely believe their eyes. It is to take place on the 1st of February; the chief mourner to be the [his daughter] King's own niece (age 18), that is to say, the daughter of the duke of Suffolk (age 52); next to her will go the [his former wife] Duchess, her mother; then the wife of the duke of Norfolk (age 39), and several other ladies in great numbers. And from what I hear, it is intended to distribute mourning apparel to no less than 600 women of a lower class. As to the lords and gentlemen, nothing has yet transpired as to who they are to be, nor how many. Master Cromwell (age 51) himself, as I have written to Your Majesty (age 35), pressed me on two different occasions to accept the mourning cloth, which this King (age 44) offered for the purpose no doubt of securing my attendance at the funeral, which is what he greatly desires; but by the advice of the Queen Regent of Flanders (Mary), of the Princess herself, and of many other worthy personages, I have declined, and, refused the cloth proffered; alleging as an excuse that I was already prepared, and had some of it at home, but in reality because I was unwilling to attend a funeral, which, however costly and magnificent, is not that befitting a queen of England.


The King (age 44), or his Privy Council, thought at first that very solemn obsequies ought to be performed at the cathedral church of this city. Numerous carpenters and other artizans had already set to work, but since then the order has been revoked, and there is no talk of it now. Whether they meant it in earnest, and then changed their mind, or whether it was merely a feint to keep people contented and remove suspicion, I cannot say for certain.

Funeral of Catherine of Aragon

Calendars. And on the morrow the three masses by three bishops: the first by the bishop of Rochester, with the abbot of Thame as deacon, and the abbot of Walden as sub-deacon; the second by the bishop of Ely, with the abbot of Tournay (age 66) (Thorney) as deacon, and the abbot of Peterborough as sub-deacon; the third by the bishop of Lincoln, with the bishop of Llandaff as deacon, and that of Ely as sub-deacon; the other bishops and abbots aforesaid assisting at the said masses in their pontificals, so the ceremony was very sumptuous. The chief mourner was lady [his daughter] Eleanor (age 17), daughter of the duke of Suffolk (age 52) and the [his former wife] French queen, and niece of king Henry, widower now of the said good Queen. She was conducted to the offering by the Comptroller and Mr. Gust (age 56), new receiver of the moneys the King takes from the Church. Immediately after the offering was completed the bishop of Rochester preached the same as all the preachers of England for two years have not ceased to preach, viz., against the power of the Pope, whom they call bishop of Rome, and against the marriage of the said good Queen and the King, alleging against all truth that in the hour of death she acknowledged she had not been queen of England. I say against all truth, because at that hour she ordered a writing to be made in her name addressed to the King as her husband, and to the ambassador of the Emperor, her nephew, which she signed with these words-Katharine, queen of England-commending her ladies and servants to the favor of the said ambassador. At the end of the mass all the mourning ladies offered in the hands of the heralds each three ells in three pieces of cloth of gold which were upon the body, and of this "accoutrements" will be made for the chapel where the annual service will be performed for her. After the mass the body was buried in a grave at the lowest step of the high altar, over which they put a simple black cloth. In this manner was celebrated the funeral of her who for 27 years has been true queen of England, whose holy soul, as every one must believe, is in eternal rest, after worldly misery borne by her with such patience that there is little need to pray God for her; to whom, nevertheless, we ought incessantly to address prayers for the weal (salut) of her living image whom she has left to us, the most virtuous Princess her daughter, that He may comfort her in her great and infinite adversities, and give her a husband to his pleasure, &c.

Imprisonment and Trial of Anne Boleyn and her Co-Accused

On 15 May 1536 Queen Anne Boleyn (age 35) tried at the King's Hall in the Tower of London [Map].

Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 63) was appointed Lord High Steward and presided. Henry Howard (age 20) attended. Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu (age 44) was one of the judges. [his former sister-in-law] Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester (age 34) was the principal witness.

The jurors were:

Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 52).

Edward Clinton 1st Earl Lincoln (age 24).

Thomas Fiennes 9th Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 21).

George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon (age 49).

Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland (age 44).

John Mordaunt 1st Baron Mordaunt (age 56).

Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 38).

Henry Parker 11th Baron Marshal 10th Baron Morley (age 55).

Edward Stanley 3rd Earl of Derby (age 27).

[his son-in-law] Thomas Stanley 2nd Baron Monteagle (age 28).

John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 65).

Thomas Wentworth 1st Baron Wentworth (age 35).

Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester (age 40).

Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland.

Thomas Burgh 7th Baron Cobham 5th Baron Strabolgi 1st Baron Burgh (age 48).

Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 40).

William Fitzalan 18th Earl Arundel (age 60).

Henry Fitzalan 19th Earl Arundel (age 24).

Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden (age 48).

Edward PowersLord Powers.

William Sandys 1st Baron Sandys Vyne (age 66).

Thomas Ware.

Andrew Windsor 1st Baron Windsor (age 69).

George Brooke 9th Baron Cobham (age 39).

She was found guilty and sentenced to be beheaded. John Spelman (age 56) signed the death warrant.


After Anne's trial her brother George Boleyn Viscount Rochford (age 33) was also tried and found guilty.

Ellis' Letters S1 V2 Letter CXXIII. Sir William Kingston (age 60) to Lord Cromwell (age 51), apparently May 18th 1536.

[MS. COTTON. OTHO c. x. foL 223. Orig.]


Syr thys shalbe to advertyse you I have resayved your Lett' wherin yo ...aa have strangerys conveyed yowt of the Towre and so thay be by the ... of Richard Gressum, & Will-m Loke, & Wythepoll, bot the umbrb of stra ... not xxx. and not mony; Hothe and the inbassit'of the emperor had a ... ther and honestly put yowt. Sr yf we have not anowrec serten ... d be knowen in London, I thynke hee wilbe bot few and I thynk ...f humburg ware bes: for I suppose she wyll declare hyr self to b ... h woman for all men bot for the Kyng at the or of hyr dei ... mornyngk she sent for me that I myght be with hyr at ... asshe reysayved the gud lord to the in tent I shuld here hy ... towchyng hyr innosensy alway to be clere & in the writy ... she sent for me, and at my commyng she sayd M. Kyngston I he ... l not dy affore none, & I am very sory ther fore; for I thowth ... be dede ... d past my payne. I told hyr it shuld be now payne it w ... m hard say the executr was very gud and I have a lyt ... rn hand abowt it lawyng hartely.

I have sen also wemen executed and atp they have bene in gre ... ige. Thys Lady hasse meche joy and plesur in dethe ... newaly with hyr and hasse bene syns ij of the co ... the effect of hony thyng that ys here at t ... well.

Your ....

Willm Ky

To Mastr. Secretory.


Note a. f. you would have. b. number. c. an hour. d. as it may be. L. Herb. e. here. f. a reasonable. g. L. Herb. h. be a. L. Herb. i. death. k. for this morning. L. Herb. l. I heard say I shall not. L. Herb. m. was so sotell. Herb. n. a lyttel neck and put her hand. Herb. p. that,


The names of those who were called Anne Boleyn's accusers have occurred in the preceding Letters.

The close of her catastrophe shall be detailed in the words of Burnet :

"A little before noon, being the 19th. of May, she was brought to the Scaffold, where she made a short speech to a great company that came to look on the last scene of this fatal Tragedy : the chief of whom were the Dukes of Suffolk (age 52) and Richmond (age 16), the Lord Chancellor, and Secretary Cromwell (age 51), with the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, and Aldermen of London. She said she was come to die, as she was judged by the Law ; she would accuse none, nor say any thing of the ground upon which she was judged. She prayed heartily for the King ; and called him a most merciful and gentle Prince, and that he had been always to her a good, gentle, sovereign lord : and if any would meddle with her cause, she required them to judge the best. And so she took her leave of them and of the world ; and heartily desired they would pray for her. After she had been some time in her devotions, being her last words 'to Christ I commend my Soul,' her head was cut off by the hangman of Calais, who was brought over as more expert at beheading than any in England : her eyes and lips were observed to move after her head was cut off, as Spelman writes ; but her body was thrown into a common chest of elm tree, that was made to put arrows in, and was buried in the chapel within the Tower [Map] before twelve o'clock.

"Her brother (deceased) with the other four did also suffer. None of them were quartered, but they were all beheaded, except Smeton, who was hanged. It was generally said, that he was corrupted into that confession, and had his life promised him ; but it was not fit to let him live to tell tales. Norris had been much in the King's favour, and an offer was made him of his life, if he would confess his guilt, and accuse the Queen. But he generously rejected that unhandsome proposition, and said that in his consciiaice he thought her innocent of these things laid to her charge ; but whether she was or not, he would not accuse her of any thing, and he would die a thousand times rather than ruin an innocent person."a

On the day of the execution, Henry the Eighth put on white for mourning, as though he would have said, "I am innocent of this deed:" and the next day was married to Jane Seymour (age 27).

The good Melanchton, whose visit to England was prevented by the afflicting news of the Queen's execution, has elegantly expressed his opinion of her innocence, in a letter to Joachim Camerarius, dated on the fifth of the ides of June 1536:

"Anglicas profectionis cura prorsus liberatus sum. Postquam enim tarn tragic! casus in Anglia acciderunt, magna consiliorum mutatio secuta est. Posterior Regina, Magis Accusata quam Convicta Adulterii, ultimo supplicio affecta est. Quam mirabiles sunt rerum vices, mi Joachime, quantam Dei iram omnibus hominibus denunciant, in quantas calamitates etiam ex summo fastigio potentissimi homines hoc tempore decidunt Haec cum cogito, etiam nobis aerumnas nostras et nostra pericula asquiore animo ferenda esse dispute."b

To some it has been a cause of surprize, that Anne Boleyn should have passed an encomium upon Henry the Eighth at her death. Indeed it is remarkable that at almost every execution hi that sanguinary period, the praise of the Sovereign was pronounced by those who fell upon the scaffold. It seems to have been so directed by the Government. Tyndale, from whose "Practice of Prelates" we have already made an extract respecting the disclosure of Confessions, has another passage upon this point, too important not to be given here:

"When any Great Man is put to death, how his Confessore entreateth him ; and what penance is enjoyned him concerning what he shall say when he cometh unto the place of execution. I coude gesse at a practyse that might make mennes eares glowe."e

In Anne Boleyn's case, however, it may be in part ascribed to anxiety for the safety of her daughter.

Anne Boleyn's execution was a fatal precedent for succeeding times. Henry having beheaded one Queen, proceeded fearlessly to the beheading of another. Elizabeth familiarized the application of the axe to royalty one step farther ; for she beheaded a foreign Queen who had taken shelter in her dominions. Half a Century later, and the people beheaded their Sovereign.

Note a. Burnet, Hist. Reform, vol. i. p. 205.

Note b. Melancht. Epist. 8 Lips. 1569.

Note c. Pract. of Prelates, 12" Marborch, 1530.

On 19 May 1536 Queen Anne Boleyn of England (age 35) was beheaded at Tower Green, Tower of London [Map]. Unusually a sword was used. Her execution was witnessed by Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 52), Catherine Carey (age 12) and Henry Fitzroy 1st Duke Richmond and Somerset (age 16). Marquess Pembroke extinct.

She was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map]. There is myth that her corpse was subsequently removed for burial at the Boleyn family church Church of St Peter and St Paul, Salle [Map].

1536 Neville Triple Wedding

On 02 Jul 1536 three weddings between the Neville, and Manners and Vere families, were celebrated at one mass at Holywell Priory [Map]:

Henry Neville 5th Earl of Westmoreland (age 11) and Anne Manners Countess of Westmoreland (age 9) were married. They were half fourth cousins. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She the daughter of Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland (age 44) and Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland (age 41). He the son of Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 38) and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland (age 37).

Henry Manners 2nd Earl of Rutland (age 9) and Margaret Neville Countess Rutland were married. They were half fourth cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She the daughter of Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 38) and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland (age 37). He the son of Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland (age 44) and Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland (age 41).

John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford (age 20) and Dorothy Neville Countess of Oxford were married. She the daughter of Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 38) and Katherine Stafford Countess of Westmoreland (age 37). He the son of John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 65) and Elizabeth Trussell Countess of Oxford.

Those present included Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden (age 48), Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 63), Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 52), [his son-in-law] Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 19), Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 40), John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 65) and Ralph Neville 4th Earl of Westmoreland (age 38).

Hall's Chronicle 1536. Around Oct 1536. After that the Kinges highness was credibly certefied of this new insurged insurreccion, he maKing no delay in so weightie a matter, caused with al spede the Dukes of Norffolke (age 63) and Suffolke (age 52), the Marques of Excetter (age 40), the Erle of Shrewsbury (age 68) wyth other, accompanyed wyth his mighty and royal army, which was of great power and strength, forthwith to set upon the rebelles: but when these noble capitaynes and counsaylors approched, the rebelles and perceived their nombre and saw how they wer bent to battayl, they practysed wyth great pollecie to have pacefyed al with out bloudshcding, but the Northrenmen wer so stifnecked that thei wold in nowise stoupe, but stoutlye stood and mayntayned their wycked entrepryse, wherfore the nobles above said perceiving and seinge none other way to pacefye these wretched rebelles, agreed upon a battayl, the battail was appoincted, and the day was assigned: but, se the same night which was the night before the day of the battail appointed, fel a smal rain nothing to speake of: but yet as it wer by a great myracle of god, the water which was but a very smal forde, and that men in maner the day before might have gone dryshod over, sodenly roase of such a heigth, depnes and bredth that the lyke noman that ther did inhabit could tel that ever thei sawe it so a fore, so that the day, even when the houre of battayll should come it was impossible for the one armie to come at the other.

After this appoyntment made betwene both the armies (disapointed as it is to be thought only by God, who extended his great mercie and had compassion on the great number of innocent persones, that in that deadly slaughter had lyke to have bene murdered) could take no place: Then by the great wysedom and pollecy of the said capitaynes, a communicacion was had, and a pardon of the Kinges Majestic obteyned, for all the capitaynes and chief doers of this insurreccion, and thei promysed that such thinges as they founde themselves agreved wythall they shoulde gently be heard, and there reasonable peticions graunted and that their articles should be presented to the Kinges Majestie, that by hys hyghnes aucthoritie, and wysedome of his counsayl, al thinges should be brought to good ordre and conclusion: and with this ordre every man quietly departed, and those which before wer bent as hote as fyre to fyght, being letted therof by God, went now peaseably to their houses, and were as colde as water. A domino factum est istud [This was done by the Lord].

In 1537 [his son] Charles Brandon 3rd Duke of Suffolk was born to Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 53) and [his wife] Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 17).

Birth and Christening Edward VI

Hall's Chronicle 1537. 12 Oct 1537. In Octobre on saynct Edwardes even was borne at Hampton court [Map] the noble Impe Prince Edward, whose Godfathers at the Christening were the Archebishop of Cauntorburie (age 48), and the duke of Norffolke (age 64) and hys God-mother the Lady Mary (age 21) the Kinges doughtcr, and at the byshoping was Godfather the duke of Suffolke (age 53). At the byrth of this noble Prince was great fyres made through the whole realme and great Joye made wyth thankesgcving to almighty God, which had sent so noble a prince to succede in the croune of this realme:

Wriothesley's Chronicle. 15 Oct 1537. This yeare, the 25thd daie of October, being Moundaie, the Prince was christened in the Kinges chappell at Hampton Court, the Archbishopp of Canterberie (age 48) and the Duke of Norfoike (age 64) godfathers at the font, and my Ladie Maries grace (age 21), the Kinges daughter by Queene Katherin, godmotherb, and the Duke of Suffolke, godfather at the confirmation, the Princes name being Edwarde, proclaymed after his christning by the King of Haroldesa, "Edward, sonne and heire to the King of Englande, Duke of Cornewall, and Earle of Chester." The goodlie solempnitie of the lordes and ladies done at the christning was a goodlie sight to behoulde, everie one after their office and degree; the Ladie Elizabeth (age 4), the Kinges daughter, bearing the chrisome on her breast, the Viscoumpt Beauchampe (age 37), brother to the Queeneb, bearing her in his armes, the Earle of Essex (age 52) bearing the salte, the Ladie Marques of Exceter (age 34) bearing the Prince to the church and home againe, the Duke of Norfolke (age 64) staying his head, as she bare him, and the Duke of Suffolke (age 53) at his feete.

Note d. Evidently a clerical error for the 15th, which was Monday, whereas the 25th would haye been Thursday.

Note e. It is cnrions to note the incongruity of the sponsors: these were Archbishop Cranmer (age 48), the head of the Protestant Reformers, the Duke of Norfolk (age 64), leader of the lay Catholics, and the Princess Mary (age 21), a bigoted Catholic, who had been bastardised by her father.

Note a. Thomas Hawley, Clarencieux King-at-Arms.

Note b. Edward Seymour (age 37), elder brother of Queen Jane, and so brother-in-law of Henry VIII. was created Viscount Beauchomp, of Hache, co. Somerset, 5th June, 1536. He was lineally descended from Sir Roger Seymour (temp. Edward III.) who married Cicely, sister and eldest coheir of John de Beauchamp, last Baron Beauchamp.

On 15 Oct 1537 the future Edward VI was christened by Bishop John Stokesley (age 62) at the Chapel Royal in Hampton Court Palace [Map]. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 48) performed the Baptismal Rites, and was appointed Godfather. Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 64) and Queen Mary I of England and Ireland (age 21) were Godparents.

King Edward VI of England and Ireland was created Duke Cornwall, 1st Earl Chester.

Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu carried the Salt. Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 53) was Godfather and supported the Marchioness of Exeter. Richard Long (age 43) was knighted. Thomas Cromwell 1st Earl Essex (age 52), Philip Boteler (age 45), John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 66) and John Gage (age 57) attended. Mary Scrope (age 61) carried Lady Mary's train. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 54) carried a covered basin. Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 54) carried the canopy.

Edward Seymour 1st Duke Somerset (age 37) helped his young niece the future Elizabeth I to carry the Crisom. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 41) supported his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter (age 34) to carry the child. Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde (age 60) bore a taper of virgin wax. William Fitzalan 18th Earl Arundel (age 61) carried the train of the Prince's robe. Christopher Barker Garter King of Arms proclaimed the Prince's titles. Arthur Hopton (age 48) attended.

Edward Seymour 1st Duke Somerset (age 37) was created 1st Earl Hertford.

Nicholas Carew (age 41), Francis Bryan, [his former brother-in-law] Anthony Browne (age 37) and John Russell 1st Earl Bedford (age 52) surrounded the font.

Henry Knyvet of Charlton Wiltshire (age 27), Edward Neville (age 66), Thomas Seymour 1st Baron Seymour (age 29), Richard Long (age 43) and John Wallop (age 47) carried the canopy.

Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and Bishop John Bell attended.

William Fitzwilliam 1st Earl of Southampton (age 47) was created 1st Earl of Southampton. Mabel Clifford Countess Southampton (age 55) by marriage Countess of Southampton.

Funeral of Jane Seymour

Execution of Friar John Forest

Wriothesley's Chronicle. 22 May 1538. Also the 22th daie of Maie, being Wednesdaie this same yeare, the said Friar Forrest was drawen from Newgate to the place of execution in Smythfielde, where was a noble sermon made by the Bishopp of Worcestre (age 51), afore writton, to have drawen the said Friar Forrest from his opinions; but he, obstinatlie standing still and stiffe in his opininons, and beinge asked by the said bishopp in what state he would die, he openlie declaring their with a lowde voyce to the Bishopp as followeth: That if an angell should come downe from heaven and shew him any other thing then that he had beleeved all his liffe tyme past he would not beleeve him, and that if his bodie should be cutt joynt after joynt or membre after membre, brent, hanged, or what paine soever might de donne to his bodie, he wold neaver turne from his old sect of this Bishopp of Rome; and also seaven yeare agone hea durst not have made such a sermon for his lief. And then after this, being a false traitor to his Praynce, an hereticke, and a seditious person to the Kinges leighe people, was had to the place of executionb and their hanged about the middle in chains of iron on a paire of gallowes alive, a great fire made under him and about him, and so was burned for his said heresie and treason.

Also their was brent with him an idollc that was brought out of Gidarne was North Wales, which idoll was of woode like a man of armes in his armes in his harneies having a litle speare in his hande and a caskett of iron about his necke hanging with a ribond, the which people of North Walles honored as a sainct. The name of the idoll was called in Walch Darvell Gadarn.d Present at this execution were the Duke of Norfolke (age 65), the Duke of Suffolke (age 54), the Erle of Sussex (age 31), the Earle of Hartford (age 38) being Vicount Beawchampe, the Bishoppe of London, with other of the Kinges Counsell, the Major (age 53)e of London, with the most part of the aldermen and shrives, and, as I thinke, tenne thousand persons and more; also the place of execution where the gallowes and fire was made was railed round about; and their was a skaffold made to sett the pulpitt on where the preacher stoode, and an other against itt where the friar stoode all the sermon tyme, and a long skaffold next to Sainct Bartholomewes spittell gate, where the Lordes of the Privie Counsell sate with the major and aldermen and other gentlemen and commons of the cittie.

Note a. Bishop Latimer (age 51).

Note b. Compare this with the account of the burning of Friar Forest in Harleian MS. 530, f. 120.

Note c. The Welshmen had a prophesy that this image should set a whole forest a fire, which prophesie now toke effect, for it set this Frier Forest on fyre, and consumed him to nothing. Hall, p 826.

Note d. Usually written Darvell or David Gatheren.

Note e. Sir Richard Gresham (age 53).

In 1540 [his son-in-law] Edward Grey 3rd Baron Grey of Powis (age 37) petitioned the Privy Council to punish his wife [his illegitimate daughter] Anne (age 33) for adultery, and also accused Anne and Randal Haworth of conspiring to murder him. No action was taken against Anne, and she remained with Randal Haworth; however, this scandalous arrangement caused her to be excluded from Charles Brandon's (age 56) will.

Anne of Cleves Arrival at London

On 30 Jan 1540 Anne of Cleves (age 24) arrived at Blackheath, Greenwich [Map]. [his son-in-law] Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 23) carried the Sword of State. William Holles (age 69), Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 56), Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex (age 57), John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 69), John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford (age 24), Bishop Robert Parfew aka Warton and [his wife] Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 20) were present.

After 31 Mar 1540 [his former brother-in-law] Anthony Browne (age 40) and Elizabeth "The Fair Geraldine" Fitzgerald Countess Lincoln (age 13) were married. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. The difference in their ages was 27 years. She the daughter of Gerald Fitzgerald 9th Earl of Kildare and Elizabeth Grey Countess Kildare (age 43).

On 18 Oct 1541 [his former sister-in-law] Margaret Tudor Queen Scotland (age 51) died at Methven Castle, Methven. She was buried at Carthusian Charterhouse, Perth.

In 1542 [his daughter] Mary Brandon Baroness Monteagle (age 32) died.

Around 1543 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 59).

Before 26 Mar 1543 Thomas Clifford and [his former sister-in-law] Lucy Browne were married. They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England 1239-1307. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. .

Christening of Henry Wriothesley

On 24 Apr 1545 Henry Wriothesley, the future 2nd Earl Southamption, was christened at St Andrew's Church, Holborn [Map]. His godparents were [his former brother-in-law] Henry VIII (age 53), Henry's daughter Mary Tudor (age 29) and Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 61).

On 22 Aug 1545 Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk (age 61) died. His son [his son] Henry Brandon 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 9) succeeded 2nd Duke Suffolk.

After 1551 Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby (age 34) and [his former wife] Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 31) were married. He by marriage Baron Willoughby de Eresby.

On 19 Sep 1580 [his former wife] Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 61) died. Her son Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby (age 24) succeeded 13th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. Mary Vere Baroness Willoughby Eresby by marriage Baroness Willoughby de Eresby.

She was buried at St James' Church, Spilsby [Map] with her second husband Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby (age 63). Elizabethan Period. Sideboard Tomb. Cornice supported by three figures of a monk and two wildmen, each holding aloft a shield of arms. In the frieze are flowers, fruit and escutcheons.

Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby: On 12 Oct 1555 he was born to Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby (age 38) and Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 36) at Wesel, Wesel. He was named for his parents peregrinations through Germany avoiding religious persecution. On 14 Oct 1555 Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby was baptised at Church of St Willibrord, Wesel, Wesel. On 25 Dec 1577 Peregrine Bertie 13th Baron Willoughby (age 22) and Mary Vere Baroness Willoughby Eresby were married. She the daughter of John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford and Margery Golding Countess Oxford.

Mary Vere Baroness Willoughby Eresby: She was born to John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford and Margery Golding Countess Oxford. Around 24 Jun 1624 she died.

Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby: On 25 Dec 1516 he was born to Thomas Bertie (age 36). After 1551 Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby (age 34) and Catherine Willoughby Duchess Suffolk (age 31) were married. He by marriage Baron Willoughby de Eresby. In 1564 Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby (age 47) was appointed High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. On 09 Apr 1582 Richard Bertie Baron Willoughby (age 65) died at Bourne. He was buried at St James' Church, Spilsby.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs. About this time, it is said that the knight, entertaining talk with her as she was earnest at work, in sporting wise caught from her a certain small jewel hanging by a lace out of her pocket, or otherwise loose, which he thrust into his bosom, neither with any earnest request could she obtain it of him again. He kept it, therefore, and wore it after about his neck, under his cassock, promising to himself either to have it with her favour or as an occasion to have talk with her, wherein he had singular delight, and she after seemed not to make much reckoning of it, either the thing not being much worth, or not worth much striving for. The noble prince having a watchful eye upon the knight, noted him more to hover about the lady, and she the more to keep aloof of him; was whetted the more to discover to her his affection, so as rather he liked first to try of what temper the regard of her honour was, which he finding not any way to be tainted with those things his kingly majesty and means could bring to the battery, he in the end fell to win her by treaty of marriage, and in this talk took from her a ring, and that wore upon his little finger; and yet all this with such secrecy was carried, and on her part so wisely, as none or very few esteemed this other than an ordinary course of dalliance. Within few days after, it happened that the king, sporting himself at bowls, had in his company (as it falls out) divers noblemen and other courtiers of account, amongst whom might be the Duke of Suffolk, Sir F. Brian, and Sir T. Wiat, himself being more than ordinarily pleasantly disposed, and in his game taking an occasion to affirm a cast to be his that plainly appeared to be otherwise; those on the other side said, with his grace's leave, they thought not, and yet, still he pointing with his finger whereon he wore her ring, replied often it was his, and specially to the knight he said, Wiat, I tell thee it is mine, smiling upon him withal. Sir Thomas, at the length, casting his eye upon the king's finger, perceived that the king meant the lady whose ring that was, which he well knew, and pausing a little, and finding the king bent to pleasure, after the words repeated again by the king, the knight replied, And if it may like your majesty to give me leave to measure it, I hope it will be mine; and withal took from his neck the lace whereat hung the tablet, and therewith stooped to measure the cast, which the king espying, knew, and had seen her wear, and therewithal spurned away the bowl, and said, It may be so, but then am I deceived; and so broke up the game. This thing thus carried was not perceived for all this of many, but of some few it was. Now the king, resorting to his chamber, showing some discontentment in his countenance, found means to break this matter to the lady, who, with good and evident proof how the knight came by the jewel, satisfied the king so effectually that this more confirmed the king's opinion of her truth than himself at the first could have expected. Shortly, upon the return of the cardinal, the matter of the dutchess cooling every day more and more, his credit also waned till it was utterly eclipsed; and that so busied the great personages that they marked the less the king's bent, the rather for that some way it seemed helpful to their working against the cardinal. The king also took here opportunity to proceed to discover his full and whole meaning unto the lady's father, to whom we may be sure the news was not a little joyful. All this notwithstanding, her virtue was not so dased with the glory of so forcible attractives, but that she stood still upon her guard, and was not, as we would suppose, so easily taken with all these appearances of happiness; whereof two things appeared to be the causes. One the love she bare ever to the queen whom she served, that was also a personage of great virtue: the other her conceit that there was not that freedom of conjunction with one that was her lord and king as with one more agreeable to her estate. These things being well perceived of, the queen shew she knew well to frame and work her advantage of, and therefore the oftener had her at cards with her, the rather also that the king might have the less her company, and the lady the more excuse to be from him; also she esteem herself the kindlier used, and yet withal the more to give the king occasion to see the nail upon her finger. And in this entertainment of time they had a certain game that I cannot name then frequented, wherein dealing, the king and queen meeting they stopped, and the young lady's hap was much to stop at a king; which the queen noting, said to her playfellow, My Lady Anne, you have good hap to stop at a king, but you are not like others, you will have all or none. So often earnest matters are delivered under game. Yet had the king his times, and she in the end yielded to give her consent of marriage to him, whom hardly ever any before was found able to keep their hold against. This was now so far to the pleasure of the king, that forthwith he with her and her father concluded to open the matter to the council, all other things being ripe thereunto, and specially for that it was not possible to keep it any longer from the talk of men near his person, and the more, the queen being found to take such knowledge thereof. It is thought then the table was diversely carried to give opinion upon this matter; some of the nobility wishing rather to have had so good hap lighted to some of their own houses; others that it had not been at all; some inclining to either of these as depending on them; but most liked better the king's own choice, both for the hope of issue, and that the greatness of great men should not grow too great to sway with in managing of matters of state. But howsoever, it appeared manifestly that presently there were practices discovered on all sides under sundry arts, on the parts of Spain, from Rome and that faction, and from the queen herself, and specially some with the king, some with the lady herself, plotted to break or stay at the least till something might fall between the cup and the lip, that might break all this purpose with one of them, if it might have been. And verily one of these may seem for this present occasion not unmeet to be recounted; which was this: There was conveyed to her a book pretending old prophecies, wherein was represented the figure of some personages, with the letter H upon one, A upon another, and K upon the third, which an expounder thereupon took upon him to interpret by the king and his wives, and to her pronouncing certain destruction if she married the king. This book coming into her chamber, she opened, and finding the contents, called to her maid of whom we have spoken before, who also bore her name: "Come hither, Nan," said she, "see here a book of prophecy: this he saith is the king, this the queen, mourning, weeping and wringing her hands, and this is myself with my head off." The maid answered, "If I thought it true, though he were an emperor, I would not myself marry him with that condition." "Yes, Nan, "replied the lady, "I think the book a bauble; yet for the hope I have that the realm may be happy by my issue, I am resolved to have him whatsoever might become of me."

William Huddlestone and Isabel Neville were married. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She the daughter of John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu and Isabel Ingaldsthorpe.

Family Trees of Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk 1484-1545

Paternal Family Tree: Brandon

Royal Ancestors of Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk 1484-1545

Kings Wessex: Great x 14 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 12 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 17 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 13 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 6 Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 12 Grand Son of Malcolm III King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 10 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 8 Grand Son of Louis "Lion" VIII King France

Royal Descendants of Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk 1484-1545

Jane "Nine Days Queen" Grey I Queen England and Ireland x 1

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom x 1

Ancestors of Charles Brandon 1st Duke Suffolk 1484-1545

Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Brandon

GrandFather: William Brandon

Great x 1 Grandmother: Ada Calthorpe

Father: William Brandon 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Wingfield

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Wingfield

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Wingfield 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Hastings 5 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Hastings 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Everingham

Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Wingfield 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

GrandMother: Elizabeth Wingfield 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Goushill

Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Goushill 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Fitzalan 10th Earl Arundel 8th Earl Surrey 5 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Fitzalan 9th Earl Surrey 11th Earl Arundel 2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Plantagenet Countess Arundel and Surrey Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Bohun Countess Arundel and Surrey Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Ingram le Bruyn

Great x 1 Grandfather: Morice Bruyn

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Pole

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund de la Pole

Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Norwich

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Pole

GrandFather: Henry Bruyn aka Darcy

Mother: Elizabeth Bruyn

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Darcy

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Burgh Countess Kildare

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Darcy

Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Dracy

GrandMother: Elizabeth Darcy