Biography of Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter 1503-1558

1522 Chateau Vert Pageant

1525 Knighting of Henry Fitzroy

1528 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

1533 Birth and Christening of Elizabeth I

1537 Birth and Christening Edward VI

1538 Exeter Conspiracy

1553 Arrival of Queen Mary I in London

On 12 Oct 1485 [her grandfather] John Blount 3rd Baron Mountjoy (age 35) died. His son [her father] William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 7) succeeded 4th Baron Mountjoy.

Around 1497 [her father] William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 19) and [her mother] Elizabeth Saye Baroness Mountjoy (age 18) were married. She by marriage Baroness Mountjoy.

In or before 1503 Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter was born to William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 24) and Elizabeth Saye Baroness Mountjoy (age 23).

On 21 Jul 1506 [her mother] Elizabeth Saye Baroness Mountjoy (age 27) died at Essendon, Hertfordshire.

Before 30 Jul 1509 [her father] William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 31) and Inez Venegas Baroness Mountjoy were married. She by marriage Baroness Mountjoy.

On 09 Jun 1511 William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon (age 36) died of pleurisy. His son [her future husband] Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 15) succeeded 2nd Earl Devon. His widow [her future mother-in-law] Catherine York Countess Devon (age 31) subsequently took a vow of celibacy in the presence of Bishop Richard Fitzjames on 13 Jul 1511.

On 15 Jun 1514 Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester (age 18) and [her future sister-in-law] Margaret Courtenay Countess of Worcester (age 15) were married. They were second cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She a granddaughter of King Edward IV of England 1442-1483. She by marriage Countess Worcester. She the daughter of William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon and Catherine York Countess Devon (age 34). He the son of Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester (age 54) and Elizabeth Herbert 3rd Baroness Herbert Raglan.

In Feb 1515 [her father] William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 37) and [her step-mother] Alice Keble Baroness Mountjoy were married. She by marriage Baroness Mountjoy.

After Jun 1515 [her future husband] Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 19) and Elizabeth Grey Countess Devon (age 10) were married. He a grandson of King Edward IV of England 1442-1483. She by marriage Countess Devon. He the son of William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon and Catherine York Countess Devon (age 35).

On 25 Oct 1519 Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 23) and Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 16) were married. He a grandson of King Edward IV of England 1442-1483. She by marriage Countess Devon. He the son of William Courtenay 1st Earl Devon and Catherine York Countess Devon (age 40).

1522 Chateau Vert Pageant

Hall's Chronicle 1522. 04 Mar 1522.On shrouetewesday at night, the said Cardinall to the King and ambassadors made another supper, and after supper thei came into a great chamber hanged with Arras, and there was a clothe of estate, and many braunches, and on every braunche. xxxii. torchettes of waxe, and in the nether ende of the same chamber was a castle, in which was a principall Tower, in which was a Cresset burning: and two other lesse Towers stood on every side, warded and embattailed, and on every Tower was a banner, one banner was of iii. rent hartes, the other was a ladies hand griping a mans harte, the third banner was a ladies hand turning a mannes hart: this castle was kept with ladies of straunge names, the first Beautie (age 6), the second Honor (age 19), the third Perseueraunce (age 21), the fourth Kyndnes (age 23), the fifth Constance (age 17), the sixte Bountie, the seuenthe Mercie, and the eight Pitie: these eight ladies had Millian gounes of white sattin, every Lady had her name embraudered with gold, on their heddes calles, and Millein bonettes of gold, with Iwelles. Vnder nethe the basse fortresse of the castle were other eight ladies, whose names were, Dangier, Disdain, Gelousie, Vnkyndenes, Scorne, Malebouche, Straungenes, these ladies were tired [attired] like to women of Inde. Then entered eight lords in clothe of gold cappes and all, and great mantell cloke's of blewe sattin, these lords were named. Amorus, Noblenes, Youth, Attendance, Loyaltie, Pleasure, Gentlenes, and Libertie, the King (age 30) was chief of this compaignie, this compaignie was led by one all in crimosin sattin with burning flames of gold, called Ardent DeSire which so moued the Ladies to geue ouer the Castle, but Scorne and Disdain saied they would holde the place, then DeSire saied the ladies should be wonne and came and encoraged the knightes, then the lords ranne to the castle, (at which time without was shot a greate peale of gunnes) and the ladies defended the castle with Rose water and Comfittes and the lords threwe in Dates and Orenges, and other fruites made for pleasure but at the last the place was wonne, but Lady Scorne and her compaignie stubbernely defended them with boows and balles, till they were driuen out of the place and fled. Then the lords toke the ladies of honor as prisoners by the handes, and brought them doune, and daunced together verie pleasauntly, which much pleased the straungers, and when thei had danced their fill then all these disuisered themselfes and wer knowen: and then was there a costly banket, and when all was done, the straungiers tooke their leaue of the King and the Cardinal and so departed into Flaunders, geuing to the King much commendacion.

On 29 Jul 1523 [her father] William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 45) and [her step-mother] Dorothy Grey Baroness Mountjoy, Willoughby and Latimer (age 43) were married. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England 1312-1377. She by marriage Baroness Mountjoy. She the daughter of Thomas Grey 1st Marquess Dorset and Cecily Bonville Marchioness Dorset (age 63).

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 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 of Suffolk (age 41), Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset (age 47),

[her husband] Henry Counrtenay (age 29) was created 1st Marquess Exeter. Gertrude Blount Marchioness 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

Henry Brandon (age 2) was created 1st Earl Lincoln.

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

Before 1526 [her sister-in-law] Margaret Courtenay Countess of Worcester (age 27) died.

In or before 1526 [her son] Henry Courtenay was born to [her husband] Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 29) and Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 23).

Around 1527 [her son] Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon was born to [her husband] Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 31) and Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 24).

1528 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

Calendars. 09 Jul 1528. R. O. St. P. I. 312. 4486. HENNEGE (age 48) to WOLSEY.

I delivered the King your letters, for which he thanks you, especially for the good news out of Italy from Dr. Stevyns. He has heard that my lady Marquese of Exeter (age 25) is sick of the sweating sickness{sweat}, and he will therefore remove upon Saturday to Ampthill. He has ordered all who were in the Marquis's company to depart. He is glad you have made your will, "and ordered yourself anenst God," as he has done. He intends to send his will to you, by which you will perceive his hearty mind towards you above all men living. By the death of one of his chapel, divers gifts have fallen, which he desires may be stayed until you have further knowledge of his pleasure. "Also he desireth your Grace that he may hear every second day from you how you do; for I assure you every morning, as soon as he cometh from the Queen, he asketh whether I hear anything from your Grace." He has told Herytage what alterations he desires here. Tittenhanger [Map], 9 July.

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

Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu carried the covered gilt basin. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 49) escorted the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk (age 56). Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 16) carried the Salt. Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 36) carried the Chrisom. Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 56) carried Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland. [her husband] 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.

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

Note a. September 10.

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

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

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

On 08 Nov 1534 [her father] William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 56) died. His son [her half-brother] Charles Blount 5th Baron Mountjoy (age 16) succeeded 5th Baron Mountjoy.

Birth and Christening Edward VI

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 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 (age 54) carried the canopy.

Edward Seymour 1st Duke Somerset (age 37) helped his young niece the future Elizabeth I to carry the Crisom. [her husband] Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 41) supported his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness 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, 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.

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.

Exeter Conspiracy

In Nov 1538 Margaret Pole Countess Salsbury (age 65), her son Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu (age 46), his son Henry Pole (age 18), and other Pole family members, and [her husband] Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 42), his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 35), their son [her son] Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon (age 11) and Edward Neville (age 67) were arrested and imprisoned on charges of treason. Cromwell had previously written that they had "little offended save that he [Reginald Pole] is of their kin". They were committed to the Tower of London [Map].

On 09 Dec 1539 Henry Pole 1st Baron Montagu (age 47) and [her husband] Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 43) were beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 43), his wife Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 36) and their son [her son] Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon (age 12) were attainted; Marquess Exeter, Earl Devon, Earl Devon, Baron Okehampton, Baron Courtenay forfeit.

His son was subsequently created 1st Earl Devon in 1553. Marquess Exeter, Earl Devon and Earl Devon subject to attainder.

In 1540 Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 37) was released.

In 1540 Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 37) was released.

Arrival of Queen Mary I in London

Henry Machyn's Diary. 03 Aug 1553. [The iij day of August the Queen (age 37) came riding to London, and so to the Tower [Map]; making her entrance at Aldgate, which was hanged,] and a grett nombur of stremars ha[nging about the said gate;] and all the strett unto Ledynhalle and unto the [Tower were laid with] graffvell, and all the crafts of London stood [in a row, with] ther banars and stremars hangyd over ther heds. Her grace cam, and a-for her a M1. velvet cotes and [cloaks] in brodere, and the mar of London bare the mase [mace], and the erle of Arundell (age 41) bare the sworde, and all the trumpets [blowing]; and next her my lade Elssabeth (age 19), and next her the duches of Norffoke (age 56), and next her the marqwes of Exseter (age 50), [and other] lades; and after her the aldermen, and then the gard with bowes and gaffylens, and all the reseduw departyd [at Aldgate] in gren and whyt, and red and whyt, and bluw and gren, to the nombur of iij M1. horse and speres and gaffelyns.

Exeter Conspiracy

On 03 Aug 1553 [her son] Edward Courtenay 1st Earl Devon (age 26) was finally released from imprisonment after fifteen years by Queen Mary I of England and Ireland (age 37) who was a close friend of his mother Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 50).

On 25 Sep 1558 Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter (age 55) died.

Family Trees of Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter 1503-1558

Paternal Family Tree: Blount

Royal Ancestors of Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter 1503-1558

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

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

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

Kings Powys: Great x 12 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 10 Grand Daughter of William "Lion" I King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 21 Grand Daughter of Louis "Pious" King Aquitaine I King Franks

Kings France: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of Louis "Fat" VI King France

Ancestors of Gertrude Blount Marchioness Exeter 1503-1558

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Blount

Great x 3 Grandfather: Walter Blount 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Beauchamp 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Blount 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Diego Gómez Toledo

Great x 3 Grandmother: Sancha Toledo

Great x 1 Grandfather: Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Gresley

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Gresley

GrandFather: John Blount 3rd Baron Mountjoy 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: James Byron

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Byron

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Byron

Great x 1 Grandmother: Helena Byron Baroness Mountjoy

Father: William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Rich Berkeley 8th and 3rd Baron Berkeley 3 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Berkeley 4 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Clivedon Baroness Berkeley

Great x 2 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 5 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Bettershorne

Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Berkeley 6 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Fitzhugh 2nd Baron Fitzhugh

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Fitzhugh 3rd Baron Fitzhugh

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Scrope Baroness Fitzhugh

Great x 2 Grandmother: Lora Fitzhugh 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Grey 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Grey Baroness Fitzhugh 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

GrandMother: Lora Berkeley Countess Ormonde 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Geoffrey Saye 2nd Baron Say

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Saye 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud Beauchamp Baroness Say 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

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

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Boteler 3rd Baron Wem and Oversley 5 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Boteler Baroness Ferrers Wem 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

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

GrandFather: William Saye 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Henry Cheney

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Cheney

Great x 2 Grandfather: Lawrence Cheney

Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cheney 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Cockayne

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Cockayne

Great x 4 Grandmother: Cecilia Vernon

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cockayne 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Reginald Grey 2nd Baron Grey Ruthyn 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Ida Grey 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alianore Strange Baroness Grey Ruthyn 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Mother: Elizabeth Saye Baroness Mountjoy 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

GrandMother: Elizabeth Fray