Biography of Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu -1540

In 1499 King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 41) created a number of Garter Knights ...

243rd Edward Poynings (age 40).

244th John King Denmark Norway and Sweden (age 43).

245th Gilbert Talbot (age 47).

246th King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 7).

247th Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland (age 20).

248th Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham (age 20).

249th Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester (age 39). The date sometimes given as 1496?

250th Edmund Pole 3rd Duke of Suffolk (age 28).

251st Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu.

252nd Thomas Lovell.

253rd Richard Pole (age 37).

Collectanea by John Leland. On St. Pauls Day in January in the Year of our Lord God 1503 [25th January 1503], in the Kings Royal Manor of Richmond, wer the Fyancells of the right Highe and Mighty and right Excellent Prlnce and Princese James King of Scotts and Margaret eldest Daughter of our Soveraigne Lord Henry the Seventh, by the Grace of God King of England and of Fraunce, and Lord of Ireland, as esueth.

After long and deliberate Communicacion and Conclusion had, accorded, and concluded betwene the Two Kings, theyr Councells, Ambassadours, and Commissioners, King Henry sent for the Substance of the Lords, both Spiritual and Temporall, that were neare to London, to be present at the said intended Solempnitye.

On St. Pauls Day aforesaide the King and Queen with their noble Children, except the Prince, heard High Masse, and after that a notable Sermon made by the Reverend Fader the Lorde Richard Fitz James, Bishop of Chichester, at wich Tyme the saide King and Queen wer accompaynyed with: the Duke of York, the Kings Second Son, the Lady Mary, the Kiogs Second Daughter, The Popes Orator, Don Peter de Yaule, Embassador of Spayne, the Archbishop of Glasco, the Earl of Bothwell (age 51), the Elect of Murray, [the last three being the] Ambassadors and Commisioners of Scotland, with many other Knights and Esquiers, the Embassador of Venice, called Messire Francisco de Capello, Knight, a Gent. of the French Kings, called L'Esquier Poland, The Popes Collector, with diverse other Strangiers.

Lords Spirituall of this Realme. The Lord Henry Den, Archbishop of Canterbery, the Lord Thomas Savage, Archbishop of Yorke (age 54), the Lord Rich. Fox, Bishop of Winchester, the Lord John Arundell, Bishop of Chester, the Lord Rich. Fitz James, Bishop of Rochester, the Lord Rich. Nikk, Bishop of Norwiche.

Lords Temporal: the Duke of Buckingham Edward, the Marquis of Dorset (age 25) Thomas, the Earle of Arundell Thomas, the Earle of Northumberland (age 25) Henry, the Earle of Derby Thomas, High Constable of England, the Earle of Surrey Thomas, Trezerer of England the Earle of Essex Henry, the Earle of Ormond Thomas, the Lord Maltravers, the Lo. Strange, the Lo. William of Devonshire, the Lo. Howard, the Lo. Dawbeney, the Kings Chamberlyn, the Lo. Brooke, Steward of the Kings House, the Lord of Bergavenny, the Lo. Mountjoy, the Lo. Dacre of the North, the Lo. William of Suffolke, the Lo. Lawarre, Sir Thomas Stanly.

Ladyes: the Lady Mary (age 6), the Kings Daughter, the Duchesse of Norfolke, the Lady Katheren the Q. Sister, the Lady Marques of Dorset, the [his wife] Countes of Essex (age 29), the Vicountesse Lisle, the Lady Herberd, the Lady Grey of Wilton, the Lady Ann Percye, the Lady Katherin Gourdon, the Lady of Burgavenny, the Lady Stourton, the Lady Dawbeney, the Lady Fitz Walter, the Lady Bray, the Lady Verney, the Lady Guildford, the Lady Capell, the Lady Petche.

Banneretts and Knights. Sir Edward Stanley, Sir Richard Guilford, Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Richard Lews, Sir David Owen, Sir Walter Hungerford, Sir John Wingfeild, Sir Thomas Brandon, Sir William Tyler, Sir Edward Hungerford, Sir John Longford, Sir Gyles a Bruges, Sir Edward Stanhop, Sir John Digby, Sir John Petche, Sir William Vampage, Sir Rauf Verney, Sir William Seymour, Sir Robert Litton, Sir John Hufe, Sir Rowland Veilevyle, Sir William Rede, Sir Richard Cholmeley, Sir Rich. Andeborough, Sir Henry Roos, Sir Robert Clifford, Sir Richard Carew, Sir John Riseley.

The Antiquarian Repertory. The Sunday [12th February 1503] next following the corps (deceased) was removed from her Chamber to the Chappell [Map] in manner that followeth.

First there was The Abbott of Westminster (age 39) in pontificalibus with the Dean of the kings Chappell (age 63) and the whole company of the same fowr knights bearing the Canapye with great Number of Gentlemen which went two and two together on every syde of the prossion great Number of torches brening borne by the Kings and the Queens servants after them the Officers of Armes and the Greatest estates and other Lords their present layd their hands to the Corps the Lady Elizabeth Stafford (age 24) was that day principall Mourner and all the other Laides followed her two and two together in such most sadd and simplest Clothing that they had on their heads thredden kierchiefs hanging on their shoulders and close under their Chins and this daily until their slopps mantells hoodes and paris were made and Ordyned. And when the Corps was sett under the hearse in the Chapell [Map] Coverd with a rich Cloth of black velvet with a Crosse of Cloth of Gold. And an Officer of Armes in an high voice said for Queen EHzebeth soule and all Xtn souls Pater noster and every ...... and atoremus before the Collect Aminabus inlykewise.

That night and every Night following was ordyned a goodly watch both of men and Gentlewomen at the lest iiij gentlewomen ij [2] officers of Armes and vij yeomen and grooms. The gentlewomen were relieved with vj [6] ladies which continually did knele about the Corps.

Then the kings Chaplin began and Redd the sawter that done to the laudes and Commendations.

After that the Deane of the kings Chappell all the nobles officers of Armes other gentle and honest persons went to the great chamber for the Ladys to the Masse of Requiem.

Then was the Lady Catherin (age 23) sister of the noble Queene Cheif mourner led by the Earle of Surry (age 60) and Earle of Essex her train borne by the Lady Elizabeth Stafford accompanied also with all the other Laidies and Gentlewomen of the Court And when they were comen to the quier the foresaid vj Laides gave roome to there betters in tyme masse was done after which they continued their watch.

The Cheif Mourner kneled at the heade alone then an officer of Arms began for the Queene &c And so began the masse songen by the Abbot of Westminster at the Offringe the Lady was led by ij [2] of the greatest Estates there present and the lest gave her the offring having before her the Chamberlain and the Officers of Arms passing always by the Corps did their obeysance as before.

Then offered the other six Laides before any Estate ij [2] and ij [2] together then the greatest estates and all the Laides and Gentlewomen then all the other Laides and knights and squires with other Gentlemen. So this order as before was dayly kept as long as she was in the Tower every day in pontificalibus by a Bishop or an Abbott at the least as the next day by the Abbott of Barmsey The iij [3] by the Abbott Albones The iiijth by the Abbott of Winchcomb The v^th by the Abbott of Towerhill The vj^th by the Abbott of Stratford The vij^th day there was iij [3] solempne masses. The first of our lady sungen by the Abbott of Redyng att that masse offered a piece of Gold of xld for the masse pennye the principle Mourner and no other person The second masse songen by the bishop Landaffe and likewise at the masse none offered but she and then offered a piece of Gold of 5s. The iij^d Masse songen by the bishop of Norwigge and att that Masse she offered a Noble Then offered the Laides and the Nobles as before The viij^th day the service was done by the Bishop of Bangor The ix^th day by the Bishop of Exeter the xii day by the Bishop of Lincolne.

Collectanea by John Leland. [8th July 1503] From the sayd Coleweston departed the sayd Quene (age 13) vary nobly acompaned, in fayre Order and Aray, of the sayd Lordes, Knights, Ladys, and others abouff sayd. Ther was in that Fellyship the Lords Marquis of Dorset (age 26), the Lord of Derby, Constable of Inglaund, and the Earl of Essex; the which conveyd her by the Space of one Mylle, and after they toke Licence in kissing her. And with them retorned many Noblemen to the sayd Coleweston.

After was ordenned to convey her from the sayd Place unto Yorke, the Earle of Kent (age 49), the Lords of Strange, of Hastyngs; and of Willougby, varey nobly arayd and acompanyd of theire Folks in Liveray and on Horses, rychely in Apparayll; of the wich Lords was a fayre Syght in all the Intryngs of good Townes. The sayd Lord of Hastyngs did marveyllously weell an Horseback in steryng of his Horse.

Also ther was to convey her from the sayd Place unto York, the Reverend Father in God my Lord the Bischop of Norwych, well accompayned and honnestly arayd.

In likewys there was in the Qwenys Company the Reverend Father in God my Lord the Bishop of Morrey, Embassador of the King of Scotts, well and honesty arayed, the wich thorough all the Voyage accompanyed the sayd Quene.

The Qwene was richly drest, mounted upon a faire Palfrey, and before her rode Sir Davy Owen, during all the sayd Voyage, richly appoynted. Thre Fotemen wer allwayes ny hyr varey honestly appoynted, and had in their Jaketts browdered Portecollys.

After her was convayed in Hand by a Gentleman, one Palfrey vary richly drest, till that Sir Thomas Worteley (age 70) came to hyr, the wich was ordonned Master of hyr Hors, and who from hensforth fullfilled the Office abouff sayde.

Next after was convayed by two Fotemen arayd as the others, one varey riche Lytere borne by two faire Coursers varey nobly drest. In the wich Litere the sayd Qwene was borne in the Intryng of the goods Townes, or otherways to her good Playsur.

Then came the Ladyes mounted upon fayre Pallefrays. Many Sqyers before them, and non others. Of the wich was a fair Sight, and nobly they were beseene.

Following came a Char richly drest, with sixe fayre Horsys leyd and convayd by thre Men, in the wich were iiij Ladyes, lastinge the sayd Voyage.

After that, came others Gentylls Women of the sayd Ladyes, mounted upon Pallefrays well appoynted.

Among the sayd Lords and the Qwene, was in Order Johannes and his Compayne, the Menstrells of Musick, the Trompetis in disployed Banneres, in all the Depattyngs of the Townes, and in the Intryng of that sam, playing on their Instruments to the Tym that she was past owt. The Ofiicers of Armes in their Cotts, and the Sergants of Armes with their Masses, were continually with her, lasting the layd

After thym came the Master of the Horfys of the sayd Quene, with others Gentilmen ordonned to make Space, that more playnly the sayd Quene and her Compagney might bee better sene. And this was contynewyng the seyd Voyage.

As to such Company as rode behind the Ladies, it was was fayr for to se. Soe well mounted and honestly drest, Each one of the same in the Liverays of their Masters, soe as they were had in Differences.

During the sayd Veyage, in the Morning departed the Caryage and the Sommers. Those of the sayd Quene covired with Covurynge whyt and grene, and the Armes of Scotlaund and of Inglaund halff perted with red Rosys and Portcollys cronned. And those of other Lords covired in lykewyse, and apon the Covurynge their Armes. The wich Thyng was a fayr Syght, for varry noble was the Convayyng.

Collectanea by John Leland. [10th May 1509] First there came rydinge throughe the Cittie of Lon don the Swerdebearer of London, and the Vice-Chamberleyne of the same, with Twoe of the Masters of the Brugehowse, to sett the Crafts in theire Order and Arraye. Then came Rydinge the Kyngs Messengers, twoe and twoe, with theire Boxes on theire Brests. Then the Kyngs Trumpeters; and after them the Kyngs still Minstrells. Then the Florentines, the Venetians, the Portingalls, the Spaniards, the Frenchmen, the Esterlings, the Gentlemen Ushers, the Kyngs Chapleyns havinge no Dignitye. The Squyers for the Boddie. The Aldermen of London. The Shreves, havinge in theire Hands Twoe Whyte Roddes. Then came there rydinge Twoe Herauds of Armes, in Twoe Cote Armurs; and after them came rydinge a noble Knyght, Mourner, uppon a goodlie Courser, trapped with Black Velvet, bearinge the Kyngs Stonderd, whose Name is Sir Edward Darrell (age 43); after whome came Knights. Then came the Chapleyns of Dignitie, as Deanes and suche other. Then the Kyng’s Counsell, and Knights of the Garter beinge no Lords. Then the Chiefe Justice of the Common Place, and the Chiefe Baron of the Kyngs Exchequer: Then the Chiefe Justice of the Kings Bench, and the Master of the Rolles. Then came the Crowched Fryers on Foote, and all the Foure Orders of Fryers followinge, singinge. Then the Chanons of ali the Places in London, in like wisse singinge. Then the Kyngs Chappell, in theire Surpleses and Grey Ameses, singinge. Then came rydinge all the Temporall Lords and Barrons, on the Left Hand; and all Abbotts and Bishopps, on the Right Hand. Then rode Sir Davie Owen (age 50), bearinge an Helmet of Steele, crowned with a rich Crowne of Golde. Then rode Sir Edward Howard (age 33), the Second Sonne of the Erle of Surrey (age 66), Treasorer of England, armed complete, with the Kyngs Harnes, his Face discovered, bearinge in his Hand the Kings Battel Axe, the Heade downewarde, restnge on his Foote. Then followed him a Knyght called Sir Thomas Fyes, bearinge a riche Armour, embrodered with the Armes of England. Then came the Maior of London ymediately before the Charett, bearinge his Mace in his Hand. Then came the Charett wherein the Kyngs Corps lay. Upon the which lay a Picture resemblinge his Person crowned and richly apparreled in his Parliament Roobe, bearinge in his Right Hand a Scepter, and in his Left Hand a Ball of Golde, over whome there was hanginge a riche Cloth of Golde pitched upon Fowre Staves, which were sett at the Fowre Corners of the saide Charett, wich Charett was drawen with Seaven great Coursers, trapped in Black Velvett, with the Armes of England on everie Courser set on bothe Sydes, and on every Side of everie Courer, a Knight goinge on Foote, bearing a Banner in his Hand; and at everie Corner of the saide Charett a Baron goinge on Foote, bearing a Banner, in like Manner; wich IIIJ^or Banners were the Kyngs Avowries; whereof the First was of the Trinitie, the Second of our Ladie, the Third of St. George, the fourth of .... And in the said Charett there were sittinge Twoe Gentlemen. Usshers of the Kyngs Chamber, One at the Heade of the Kynge and the other at the Feete, mourninge. Then followed the said Charett the Duke of Buckingham (age 31), the Earle of Arondell (age 59), the Earle of Northumberland (age 31), the Earle of Shrewsberie (age 41), the Earle of Surrey, the Earle of Essex, and other, to the Nomber of Nyne, beinge Knyghts of the Garter, in a Range one after another, as they were in Degree. Then followed them IX of the Kyngs Henchemen, ridinge on goodlie Coursers, trapped in Black Velvett, of the wich the three foremost did beare three Capps of Maintenances, wich three Popes had sent the Kynge duringe the Tyme of his Raigne. The next three Henchmen did beare three riche Swordes the Points downward, the seaventh bare a Target of the Armes of England, otherwise called a Sheild crowned, the eight bare an Helmet with a Lyon of Golde upon it. The IXth bare a Speare covered with Black Velvett. Then followed the Master of the Horses called Sir Thomas Brandon, leadinge in his Hande a goodlie Courser trapped with Black Velvett, richely embrodered with the Armes of England; whome followed the Lord Darcy (age 42), beinge Captayn of the Garde. After whome came the Garde, and many other Gentlemen. Then the worshipfull Men of the Crafts of London, which were appointed by theire Fellowship to set in the said Corps. Then Lords Servaunts followed, beinge a great Nomber.

Collectanea by John Leland. [11th May 1509] First there came Twoe Herauds in their Cotearmours unto the Duke of Buckingham (age 31), beinge Chiefe Mourner, kneelinge at the West End of the Herse, goinge before him, frome the Herse unto the Place where the Archeb. stoode to take the Offeringe; where he, representinge the Kyngs Person, offered a Testiament of Golde: Which done the said Herauds conveyed him againe to the Place he came frome. Then the said Herauds came in like Manner unto the Earle of Arondell (age 59) and unto the Earle of Northumberland (age 31), and conveyed them unto a Knight which stoode before the Herse, holdinge the Kyngs Cotearmoure. Of whom the said Herauds received the said Cotearmour, and delivered it to the said Twoe Earles; which solempnly bearinge the said Cotearmour betwene them offered it up unto the said Archeb. with great Reverence; the which he received and delivered unto a Bisshop, which delivered it over unto an Heraude standinge even by them on the South Side of the Church; which done the said Herauds conveyed the Twoe Earles againe unto theire Places. Then the said Herauds came in likewise unto the Earle of Shrewssberie (age 41) and unto the Earle of Surrey (age 66), and conveyed them unto a Knight which stoode before the said Herse, holdinge the Kyngs Sheild crowned; of whome the said Herauds received the said Shielde, and delivered it unto the said Earles; which solempnly bearinge it betwene them offered it in lyke Manner unto the ArcheBisshop; the which he received and delivered it to a Bisshop, by whome it was delivered unto an Heraude, there standinge on the South Syde beneath the other Herauds which helde the Cotearmour: And then the said Herauds conveyed the said Earles againe unto their Places. After this they went unto the Earle of Essex and to the [his half-brother] Earle of Kent (age 28), and conveyed them unto a Knight holdinge a goodlie riche Sworde before the Herse, which the said Herauds received of the said Knyght and delivered unto the said Earles: And soe they holdinge the said Sworde betwene them, offered it up unto the ArcheBisshop in like Manner; which was also delivered unto an other Heraude standinge in Order beneath the other Twoe Herauds which helde the Cotearmour and the Shielde. Which, done the said Herauds convey’d the said Twoe Earles into theire owne Places. And then the said Twoe Herauds came unto the Earle of Derbie (age 24) and unto the Earle of Arran (age 34), otherwise called the Scottishe Lorde, which in like Manner conveyed them unto a Knight holdinge the Kings Helmett crowned, to whome was made like deliverie; which they offered in like Manner, and was delivered to another Heraude, and they conveyed unto theire owne Places againe. After this there came ryding the Second Son of th Earle of Surrey, called Sir Edward Howarde (age 33), armed in complete Harnes (his Helmet except) upon a goodlie Courser, trapped in Black Velvet, with the Armes of England embrothered upon the same, which rode unto the Railes of the said Herse, where he did alight; whome the said Herauds incontinent received; whose Horse was ymediatly delivered unto a Servant of the Abbotts of Westminfter. And the said Knight going betwene the Earle of Essex and the Earle of Kent was presented unto the Archebisshop: Which done, the said Knight was conveyed by Twoe Monkes of the said Abbey into the Revestrie, where he was unarmed, and the said Two Earles again conveyed into theire owne Places. And afrer the said Knight came in a Black Gowne, and offered amonge the other Knights. This done the said Two Herauds came againe unto the Duke of Buck. goinge before him to the Archebishop, where he offered againe for himselfe. After whome the other Earles offered in theire Order. Then came the Bisshops and Abbotts, and offered in theire Order; the Bisshops goinge unto the Alter, and there makinge theire Offeringe, and the Abbotts goinge unto the Archeb. kissinge his Hande, and takinge his Blessinge. After whome came the Lords and Barrons, makinge their Offeringe everie Man in Degree. And in the meane while Twoe Herauds came againe unto the said Duke of Buck. and to the Earles, and conveyed them into the Revestrie, where they did receive certen Palles, which everie of them did bringe solempnly betwene theire Hands, and comminge in Order one before another, as they were in Degree, unto the said Herse, they kissed theire said Palles, and delivered them unto the said Heraudes, which lalde them uppon the Kyngs Corps, in this Manner: The Palle which was first offered by the Duke of Buck. was laid on length on the said Corps, and the Residewe were laid acrosse, as thick as they might lie. Which Palles were offered in the Manner aforesaid, in Token of their Homage which they of Dutie ought to doe unto the Kinge. And after the saide Lords and Barrons had made theire Offeringe, then foliowed the Chapleins of Dignitie and the Grey Amezes of the Kinges Chappell, whome foliowed Knights and Gentlemen, everie Man in his Degree. After the which Offeringe and the said Masse ended, a Knight called Edmond Carewe (age 43) came unto the Second Stepp of the Highe Alter, bearinge in his Hand the Kings great Banner, which he offered up unto the Archebisshop, and Sir Edward Darrece (age 43) his Standerd. Which done, the Bisshop of London inade a noble Sermon. And after the said Sermon ended, incontinente the Archebisshopps, Bisshopps, and Abbotts went unto the Herse. At whose Coomminge the Palles and the iiij Banners of the Kings Avowries were carried away by Twoe Monks. Which done, the Picture was taken from the Herse, and borne unto Sr. Edwards Shrine, the Kyngs Chappell, singinge this Anthem, Circum dederunt me genitus mortis [The sorrows of death have compassed me, Psalm 17, 5-6]. And then the said Corps was incensed, and ali the Royal Ornaments taken fome the said Corps, soe that everie Man might see the said Corps cofferd in a Coffin of Bordes, which was covered over with Black Velvett, havinge a Crosse of Whyte Satten from the one End of the said Coffyn unto the other; within the which Coffiyn the verie Corps of the Kynge lay enclosed in Lead. Upon the which Lead was written, in great Lettres chafed, Hic jacet Rex Henricns Septimus [Here lies King Henry VII]. And soe the said Corps was laid into the Vaught with great reverence by the noble Queen Elizabeth his Wyfe; whome incontinent ali the Archebishops, Bisshops, and Abbotts settinge theire Crosses upon the said Corps assoiled, in most solempn Manner sayinge this Collett (Absolvimus). Which done the said Archebishop did cast Earth uppon the said Corps. And then my Lord Treasorer and my Loyd Steward did breake theire Staves, and did cast them into the Vaught; and the other Hed Officers did cast theire Staves in, all whole. Which done the Vaught was closed, and a goodlie riche Pall of Clothe of Golde laide upon the saide Herse. And incontinent ali the Herauds did of theire Cotearmour, and did hange them uppon the Rayles of the Herse; cryinge lamentably in French, The noble King Henry the Seaventh is deade. And as soone as they had so done, everie Heraud putt on his Cotearmour againe, and cryed with a loude Voyce, Vive le noble Roy Henry le VIIIth; which is to say in Englishe Tonge, God send the noble Kynge Henry the Eight longe Lyfe. Amen.

Wriothesley's Chronicle [1508-1562]. 1st June 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 sceptres 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 call^a 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 Canterberie^d1 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 Talbott^f 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 desses^c 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, 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 Howarde as deputie for the Duke of Norfolke (age 60) in the romth^d2 of the Marshall of Englande, and the Queenes service^e2 following them with the Archbishopps, a certaine space betwene which was borne^f2 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 London^h2 with the Aldermen, att the fowerth table the Barons of the Fortes with the Masters of the Chauncerie. The goodlie dishes with the delicate meates and the settles which were all gilt, with the noble service that daie done by great men of the realme, the goodlie sweete armonie of minstrells with other thinges were to long to expresse, which was a goodlie sight to see and beholde.

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

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

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

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

Note b. Grandmother 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 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.

e1. Anne Boleyn's father 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.

On 15th October 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 of Cornwall, 1st Earl Chester.

Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu carried the Salt. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of 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 carried the canopy.

Edward Seymour 1st Duke of 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 [his sister-in-law] 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 11th or 18th Earl of Arundel (age 61) carried the train of the Prince's robe. Christopher Barker proclaimed the Prince's titles.

Edward Seymour 1st Duke of Somerset was created 1st Earl Hertford.

Nicholas Carew (age 41), Francis Bryan (age 47), 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 and John Wallop (age 47) carried the canopy.

Arthur Hopton (age 48), 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.

Letters of Thomas Cromwell. Thomas Cromwell (age 55) to King Henry VIII. 30th June 1540.

This letter survives in two forms, as a heavily mutilated draft (British Museum Otho C. x f.247), and a finished copy (Hatfield House, Cecil Papers, 124-7)

To the king, my most gracious Sovereign lord, his Royal Majesty.

Most merciful king and most gracious sovereign lord, may it please the same to be advertised that the last time it pleased your benign goodness, to send unto me the right honourable Lord Chancellor, [Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden (age 52)] the Right Honourable Duke of Norfolk [Thomas Howard 3rd Duke of Norfolk (age 67)], and the Lord Admiral [William Fitzwilliam 1st Earl of Southampton (age 50)] to examine, and also to declare to me, diverse things from your Majesty, amongst the which, one special thing they moved and thereupon charged me as I would answer, before God at the dreadful day of Judgement and also upon the extreme danger and damnation of my soul and conscience, to say what I knew in the marriage and concerning the marriage between your highness and the queen, to the which I answered as I knew, declaring to them the particulars as nigh as I then could call to remembrance, which when they had heard, they, in your Majesty's name, and upon like charge as they had given me, before commanded me to write to your highness the truth as much as I knew in that matter, which now I do, and the very truth as God shall save me, to the uttermost of my knowledge.

First, after your Majesty heard of the lady Anne of Cleves' arrival at Dover and that her journeys were appointed towards Greenwich, and that she should be at Rochester on New Year's Eve at night, your highness declared to me that you would privily visit her at Rochester upon New Year's Day, adding these words "to nourish love," which accordingly your Grace did upon New Year's Day as is abovesaid. And the next day being Friday, your Grace returned to Greenwich where I spoke with your Grace and demanded of your Majesty how you liked the lady Anne. Your highness answered, as I thought heavily and not pleasantly, "nothing so well as she was spoken of." Saying further that if your highness had known as much before as you then knew, she should not have come within this realm, saying as by way of lamentation what remedy, unto the which I answered and said I knew none but was very sorry. Therefore, and so God knows, I thought it a hard beginning, the next day after the receipt of the said lady and her entry made into Greenwich and after your highness had brought her to her chamber, I then waited upon your highness in your privy chamber, and being there, your Grace called me to you, saying to me these words, or the like, "my lord, is it not as I told you, say what they will, she is nothing so fair as she has been reported, howbeit, she is well and seemly." Whereunto I answered, saying, "by my faith, Sir, you say truth," adding thereunto that yet I thought she had a queenly manner, and nevertheless was sorry that your Grace was no better content, and thereupon your Grace commanded me to call together your Council, which were these by name: the Archbishop of Canterbury, [Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 50)] the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk [Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 56)], my lord Admiral, my lord of Durham [Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall (age 66)] and myself, to common of those matters, and to know what commission the Agents of Cleves had brought as well, touching the performance of the covenants sent before from hence to Doctor Wootton [Nicholas Wotton (age 43)] to have been concluded in Cleves, as also in the declaration how the matters stood for the covenants of marriage between the Duke of Lorraine's son [Francis Lorraine I Duke Lorraine (age 22)] and the said lady Anne. Whereupon, Olisleger and Hoghestein were called and the matters purposed, whereby it plainly appeared that they were much astounded and abashed and desired that they might make answer in the next morning, which was Sunday. Upon Sunday in the morning, your said Councillors and they met early, and there again it was proposed unto them, as well touching the omission for the performance of the treaty and articles sent to Master Wootton, and also touching the contracts and covenants of marriage between the Duke of Lorraine's son and the lady Anne, and what terms they stood in. To the which things so proposed, they answered as men much perplexed that as touching the commission they had none to treat concerning the articles sent to Mr. Wootton, and as to the contract and covenant of marriage they could say nothing but that a revocation was made, and that they were but spouseless, and finally after much reasoning they offered themselves to remain prisoners until such time as they should have sent unto them from Cleves, the first articles ratified under the Duke, [William La Marck Duke of Jülich Cleves Berg (age 23)] their Master's, signature and seal, and also the copy of the revocation made between the Duke of Lorraine's son and the lady Anne. Upon the which answers, I was sent to your highness by my lords of your said Council to declare to your highness what answer they had made, and came to your highness by the privy way into your privy chamber and declared to the same all the circumstances, where your Grace was very much displeased, saying I am not well handled, insomuch that I might well perceive that your highness was fully determined not to have gone through with the marriage at that time, saying unto me these word or the like, in effect that, "if it were not that she is come so far into my realm, and the great preparations that my states and people have made for her, and for fear of making of a ruffle in the world, that is to mean to drive her brother into the hands of the Emperor and French king's hands, being now together, I would never have nor marry her," so that I might well perceive your Grace was neither content with the person nor yet content with the preceding of the Agents. And after dinner, the said Sunday, your Grace sent for all your said Councillors, and in repeating how your highness was handled as well as touching the said articles and also the said matter of the Duke of Lorraine's son, it might, and I doubt not, did appear to them how loathe your highness was to have married at that time. And thereupon and upon the considerations aforesaid, your Grace thought that it should be well done that she should make a protestation before your said Councillors, and notaries to be present, that she was free from all contracts which was done accordingly. Thereupon, I repairing to your highness, declaring how that she had made her protestation, whereunto your Grace answered in effect the words, or much like, "there is none other remedy but that I must need against my will, put my neck in the yoke," and so I departed, leaving your highness in a study or pensiveness. And yet your Grace determined the next morning to go through, and in the morning which was Monday, your Majesty, preparing yourself towards the ceremony, there was some question who should lead here to church and it was appointed that the Earl of Essex [Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count of Eu] desist, and an earl that came with her should lead her to church, and thereupon one came to your highness and said unto you that the Earl of Essex was not yet come, whereupon your Grace appointed me to be the one that should lead here. And so I went unto her chamber to the intent to have done your commandment, and shortly after I came into the chamber, the Earl of Essex had come, whereupon I repaired back again in to your Grace's privy chamber and showed your highness how he had come, and thereupon your Majesty advanced towards the gallery out of your privy chamber, and your Grace, being in and about the middle of your chamber of presence, called me unto you, saying the words or the like in sentence, "my lord, if it were not to satisfy the world and my realm, I would not do that I must do this day for no earthly thing." And there, with one brought your Grace's word that she was coming, and thereupon your Grace repaired into the gallery towards the closet and there paused her coming, being nothing content that she so long tarried as I judged then, and so consequently she came, and your Grace afterwards proceeded to the ceremony, and then being finished travelled the day, as appertained, and the night after the custom. And in the morning on Tuesday, I repairing to your Majesty in to your privy chamber, finding your Grace not so pleasant as I trusted to have done, I was so bold to ask your Grace how you liked the queen, whereunto your Grace soberly answered, saying that I was not all men, surely my lord as you know I liked her before not well but now I like her much worse. For to quote your highness; "I have felt her belly and her breasts and thereby as I can judge she should be not a maid, which struck me so to the heart when I felt them that I had neither will nor courage to proceed any further in other matters," saying, "I have left her as good a maid as I found her," which me thought then you spoke displeasantly, which I was very sorry to hear. Your highness also, after Candlemas, and before Shrovetide, once or twice said that you were in the same case with her as you were before and that your heart could never consent to meddle with her carnally. Notwithstanding, your highness alleged that you, for the most part, used to lie with her nightly or every second night, and yet your Majesty ever said that she was as good a maid for you as ever her mother bore her, for anything that you had ministered to her. Your highness showed me also in Lent last passed, at such time as your Grace had some communication with her of my lady Mary how that she began to wax stubborn and wilful, ever lamenting your fate and ever verifying that you had never any carnal knowledge with her, and also after Easter your Grace likewise at diverse times. In the Whitsun week. in your Grace's privy chamber at Greenwich, exceedingly lamented your fate and that your greatest grief was that you should surely never have any more children for the comfort of this realm if you should so continue, assuring me that before God you thought she was never your lawfully wife, at which time your Grace knows what answer I made, which was that I would for my part do my uttermost to comfort and deliver your Grace of your affliction, and how sorry I was, both to see and hear your Grace. God knows your Grace diverse times since Whitsuntide declared the like to me, ever alleging one thing, and also saying that you had as much done to much the consent of your heart and mind as ever did man, and that you took God to witness, but ever you said the obstacle could never out of your mind, and gracious prince, after that you had first seen her at Rochester, I never thought in my heart that you were or would be contented with that marriage, and Sir, I know now in what case I stand in, which is only in the mercy of God and your Grace, if I have not to the uttermost of my remembrance said the truth and the whole truth in this matter, God never help me. I am sure as I think there is no man living in this your realm that knew more in this then I did, your highness only except, and I am sure my lord Admiral, calling to his remembrance, can show your highness and be my witness to what I said unto him after your Grace came from Rochester, and also after your Grace's marriage, and also now of late since Whitsuntide, and I doubt not but many and diverse of my lords of your Council, both before your manage and since, have right well perceived that your Majesty has not been well pleased with your marriage, and as I shall answer to God I never thought your Grace content after you had once seen her at Rochester, and this is all that I know.

Most gracious and most merciful sovereign lord, beseeching almighty God, whoever in all your causes has ever counselled perceived, opened, maintained, relieved and defended your highness so he now will save to counsel you, preserve you, maintain you, remedy you, relieve and defend you as may be most to your honour, wealth prosperity, health and comfort of your heart's desires. For the which, and for the long life and prosperous reign of your most royal Majesty, I shall, during my life and while I am here, pray to almighty God that He of his most abundant goodness, will help aid and comfort you, and after your continuance of Nestor's¹ years, that that most noble Imp, the prince's grace, your most dear son, may succeed you to reign long, prosperously and felicitously to God's pleasure, beseeching most humbly, your Grace to pardon this, my rude writing, and to consider that I am a most woeful prisoner, ready to take the death when it shall please God and your Majesty. Yet the frail flesh incites me continually to call to your Grace for mercy and pardon for my offences and in this, Christ save, preserve, and keep you. Written the Tower, this Wednesday the last of June, with the heavy heart and trembling hand of your highness' most heavy and most miserable prisoner and poor slave.

Most gracious prince, I cry for mercye, mercye, mercye

Thomas Crumwell

Note 1. Nestor from the Iliad, known for wisdom and generosity, which increased as he aged. The comparison was considered a compliment