Biography of Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu -1540
Paternal Family Tree: Bourchier
Maternal Family Tree: Jeanne Sabran
1499 Creation of Garter Knights
1533 Coronation of Anne Boleyn
1533 Birth and Christening of Elizabeth I
Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu was born to William Bourchier Viscount Bourchier and Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England.
On or before 15 Aug 1467 [his father] William Bourchier Viscount Bourchier (age 37) and [his mother] Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier (age 29) were married. An example of a Woodville marriage to a wealthy family which antagonised the nobilty - see Woodville Marriages. William Bourchier Viscount Bourchier (age 37) was heir to his father [his grandfather] Henry Bourchier 2nd Count Eu 1st Earl Essex (age 63). She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers (age 62) and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford (age 52). He the son of Henry Bourchier 2nd Count Eu 1st Earl Essex (age 63) and Isabel York Countess Eu and Essex (age 58). He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England. 
In 1480 [his father] William Bourchier Viscount Bourchier (age 50) died.
Before 1481 George Grey 2nd Earl Kent (age 27) and [his mother] Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier (age 42) were married. See Woodville Marriages. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford. He the son of Edmund Grey 1st Earl Kent (age 64) and Katherine Percy. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. 
On 04 Apr 1483 [his grandfather] Henry Bourchier 2nd Count Eu 1st Earl Essex (age 79) died. He was buried firstly in Beeleigh Abbey [Map] and thereafter St Mary's Church, Little Easton [Map]. His grandson Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu succeeded 2nd Earl Essex, 3rd Count Eu, 2nd Viscount Bourchier, 6th Baron Bourchier.
On 30 Jul 1489 [his mother] Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier (age 51) died.
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 Eu.
252nd Thomas Lovell.
253rd Richard Pole (age 37).
In 1512 Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu and Mary Saye Countess Essex and Eu (age 38) were married. She by marriage Countess Essex, Countess Eu. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England. 
On 16 Aug 1513 Henry VIII (age 22) fought at Thérouanne [Map] during the Battle of the Spurs.
Henry's army included George Talbot 4th Earl of Shrewsbury (age 45) (commanded), Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset (age 36), Thomas Brooke 8th Baron Cobham (age 43), Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu, John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 42) and Anthony Wingfield (age 26). John "Tilbury Jack" Arundell (age 18), William Compton (age 31), John Hussey 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford (age 48) and William Hussey (age 41) was knighted by King Henry VII of England and Ireland. Thomas West 8th Baron De La Warr 5th Baron West (age 56) and Andrew Windsor 1st Baron Windsor (age 46) was created Knight Banneret.
Louis I d'Orléans Duc de Longueville 1480-1516 was captured.
Arthur Hopton (age 24) was knighted for his bravery.
In 1517 [his daughter] Anne Bourchier 7th Baroness Bourchier was born to Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu and [his wife] Mary Saye Countess Essex and Eu (age 43).
Hall's Chronicle 1522. 02 Feb 1522. The second day of February, the King (age 30) being at Greenwich, came thither the Cardinal with a Legation from Leo bishop of Rome, and also his ambassador, on who waited many a nobleman, the King met them at his chamber door welcoming them as though they had 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 manifold graces as a King elect in favour of the high heaven, and so appears presently by your noble person, so formed and figured in shape and stature with force and pulchritude, which signifies the present pleasure of our Lord God wrought in your noble grace. And further he praised his wisdom, prudence and learning, with many other goodly words in the praise of his most noble grace. And finally, the Cardinal declared how the said Bishop of Rome had sent his highness an Act in Bull under lead, declaring therein his grace to be the Defender of the Christian Faith, and his successors for evermore.
And when his grace had received the said Bull and caused it to be read and published, he went to his chapel to hear Mass accompanied with many nobles of his realm and also with Ambassadors of sundry princes, the Cardinal being requested to sing masse, the Erle of Essex brought the Bason with water, the Duke of Suffolk (age 38) gave the assay, the Duke of Norfolk (age 49) held the towel, and so preceded to Masse. And that done gave to all them that heard the masse clean remission and blessed the King and the Queen and all the people: then was the Bull eftsoons declared, and trumpets blew, the shalmes and saggebuttes played in honour of the King’s new style. Thus, his highness went to dinner in the midst whereof the King of Heralds and his company began the larges, crying Henricus dei gratia rex Anglie, and Francie, defensor fidei; and dominus Hibernie thus ended the dinner, with much abundance of vittels and wine, to all manner of people.
On 09 Feb 1527 [his son-in-law] William Parr 1st Marquess Northampton (age 15) and [his daughter] Anne Bourchier 7th Baroness Bourchier (age 10) were married. They lived apart for the first twelve years of their marriage. She the daughter of Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu and Mary Saye Countess Essex and Eu (age 53). They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. 
Letters and Papers 1528. 30 Jun 1528. R. O. 4442. Sir William Compton (age 46).
Will of Sir William Compton, made on 8 March 1522, 14 Henry VIII. Desires to be buried at Compton Wynyates [Map] in Warwickshire, beside his ancestors: That is if his wife (age 28) die before he return home from his journey, she be afterwards brought to Compton and buried there. Bequeaths to his wife (age 28) movables at Bettyschorne, and at the great park of Windsor, and the plate which belonged to Francis Cheyny, "my predecessor." If his wife be delivered of a son, bequeaths to him all his household stuff at Compton, with the plate which was given him by the French king in a schedule. His wife to have the control of it till the child be of age. If he have a son, bequeaths to each of his daughters 1,000 marks for their marriages, and 100 marks in plate. Wills that 40 pair of vestments be made of one suit, to be distributed to the parish churches in the counties of Warwick and Worcester, adjoining to Compton. All his apparel to be used in making vestments and other works of charity. Bequeaths to the abbey of Winchcomb his wedding gown of tynsen satin, to make a vestment that they may pray for the souls of his ancestors. Wills his executors to release to the monastery of Denny all the debts they owe him, and bequeaths to them £10 for an obit. Bequeaths goods to the value of 200 marks to be distributed to poor householders, and to the marriages of poor maids in the counties of Warwick and Worcester. Wills that a tomb of alabaster be prepared for his father, with his arms graven upon it. Bequeaths to the King (age 37) his little chest of ivory with gilt lock, "and a chest bourde under the same, and a pair of tables upon it," with all the jewels and treasure enclosed, now in his wife's custody; also "certain specialties to the sum of 1,000 marks, which I have of Sir Thomas Bullen (age 51), knight," for money lent to him. Wills that his children have their plate on coming to their full ages; i.e., on the males coming to the age of twenty-one, and the females to the age of eighteen.
Bequests to his sister [Elizabeth] Rudney, and his cousin John Rudney, her son. Wills that his mother's body be taken up and buried at Compton Wynyates [Map]. Bequest to the daughter of his aunt Appulby. £20 to be put in a box at the abbey of Winchecombe, to make defence for all such actions as may be wrongfully taken against his wife or his executors. Two chantries to be founded in his name at Compton Wynyates [Map], to do daily service for the souls of the King, the Queen, my Lady Anne Hastings (age 45), himself, his wife and ancestors. The priests to be appointed by the Abbot of Winchecombe, or, failing him, the Abbot of Evesham. 5 marks a year to be paid to the parson of Compton to keep a free grammar school. £100 a year to be paid to his wife during her life, for her jointure, besides her inheritance in Barkeley's lands. Bequests to the monasteries of Evesham, Hayles, Winchecombe, Worcester, Croxton, the charterhouses of Henton and Coventry, for obits; to Sir William Tyler, Sir Thomas Lynne, Thomas Baskett and George Lynde; to his servants who happen to be with him this journey; to John Draper, his servant, and Robert Bencare, his solicitor; to Griffin Gynne, now with Humphrey Brown, serjeant-at-law, for his learning; and to Lady Anne Hastings (age 45). Executors appointed: Dame Warburgh my wife (age 31), the bishop of Exeter (age 66), Sir Henry Marney, Lord Privy Seal, Sir Henry Guildford (age 39), Sir Richard Broke, Sir John Dantsy, Dr. Chomber, Humphrey Brown, serjeant-at-law, Thomas Leson, clk., James Clarell and Thomas Unton. Appoints my Lord Bishop of Canterbury (age 78) supervisor of his will. Gifts to the executors.
3. Bargain and sale by Sir Henry Guildford (age 39), Humphrey Brown, Thomas Hunton and Thomas Leeson, as executors of Sir William Compton, to Sir Thomas Arundell, of certain tenements in St Swithin's Lane [Map], [London,] lately in the possession of Lewis... and Humphrey... as executors of Sir Richard Wingfield.
4. Inventory of the goods of Sir William Compton in his house in London.
Ready money, gold and silver, 1,£338 7s. 0½d. Jewels of gold and silver, £898 6s. 2d. Gilt plate, £85 5s. 3d. Parcel gilt plate, £31 12s. 2d. White plate, £90 0s. 3½d. Silks, £210 13s. 6d.=2,£654 4s. 5d.
5. Names of the officers upon the lands late Sir William Compton's.
[Note. Lots of names of Steward and Bailiffs and values.].
6. Inquisition taken in Middlesex on the death of Sir William Compton, 20 Henry VIII.
Found that Richard Broke, serjeant-at-law, [Walter Rodney] [Names in brackets crossed out], William Dyngley and John Dyngley, now surviving, with [Sir Rob. Throgmerton and William Tracy,]* deceased, were seized of the manors of Totenham, Pembrokes, Bruses, Daubeneys and Mokkyngs, with lands in Tottenham, Edelmeton and Enfeld, to Compton's use; and that George Earl of Shrewsbury (age 60), Henry Earl of Essex, John Bourchier Lord Bernes (age 61), [Sir Rob. Ratclyf,]* Rob. Brudenell (age 67), justice of the King's Bench, Richard Sacheverell (age 61) [and Thomas Brokesby],* now surviving, with [Sir Ralph Shyrley,]* deceased, were seized of the manor of Fyncheley and lands in Fyncheley and Hendon to his use. His son, Peter Compton (age 5), is his heir, and is six years old and over.
7. Citation by Wolsey (age 55), as legate, of Sir William Compton, for having lived in adultery with the wife (age 45) of Lord Hastings (age 41), while his own wife, dame Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon (age 45), was alive, and for having taken the sacrament to disprove it.
4443. Sir William Compton.
Inventory of the goods of Sir William Compton at his places in London, Compton, Bittisthorne, the Great Park of Windsor, Sir Walter Stoner's place. Total of moveables, 4,£485 2s. 3½d. "Sperat dettes," estimated at 3,£511 13s. 4d. "Chatell Royall," £666 13s. 4d.
Wards.-One ward that cost £466 13s. 4d.; another of 500 marks land; the third, "Sir George Salynger's son and his heir." There is at Windsor Great Park plate embezzled to the value of £579 2s. 6d., as appears by a bill found in Sir William's place at London. Desperate debts estimated at 1,£908 6s. 8d. Debts owing by him estimated at £1,000
Letters and Papers 1529. 16 Jul 1529. 5778. The Divorce. i. Deposition of [his future wife] Mary (age 31) wife of Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, taken at Stanstede, on Thursday, 15 July 1529, in the presence of Robert Johnson, notary public (of Norwich diocese). Her age is 44 years and over. She says that prince Arthur and Catharine (age 43) lived as man and wife together; that the two occupied the same bed after the wedding, at London House, and were generally reputed as man and wife.
ii. Deposition of Agnes (age 52) widow of Thomas late Duke of Norfolk, taken on Friday, 16 July 1529, in the church of St. Mary [Map], of the Cluniac priory of Thetford, by Sampson Mychell, canon, in the presence of John [Fletcher] and [William] Molyneux, M.A., her chaplain. Her age is 52 years and over. She knew Henry VII. and his Queen Elizabeth from the time she was 15, and remembers Catharine coming from Spain, and the marriage of Arthur and Catharine in St. Paul's. "He was then about the stature that the young [earl of] Derby is now at, but not fully so high as the same Earl is." Also, that the said Prince Arthur and [princess Ka]theryne (age 43), now being Queen, were brought to bed the next night after the said marriage; for this deponent did see them lie... me in one bed the same night, in a chamber within the said palace being prepared for them, and that this deponent left them so [lying to]gether there the said night.
In or before 1533 [his future brother-in-law] Charles Blount 5th Baron Mountjoy (age 14) and Anne Willoughby Baroness Mountjoy were married. She by marriage Baroness Mountjoy. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England. 
Wriothesley's Chronicle 1530-1539. 01 Jun 1533. Memorandum, the first dale of June,d Queene Anne (age 32) was brought from Westminster Hall to the Abbey of Sainct Peeter's [Map] with procession, all the monkes of Westminster going in rytch copes of golde with 13 abbotts mitred; and after them all the Kinges Chappell in rych copes with fower bushopps and tow archbishopps mittred, and all the Lordes going in their Perliament roabes,e and the crowne borne afore her by the Duke of Suffolke (age 49), and her tow scepters by tow Earles, and she herself going under a rytch canapie of cloath of golde, apparailed in a kirtell of crymson velvett powdred with ermyns, and a robe of purple velvett furred with powdred ermines over that, and a rich cronett with a calla of pearles and stones on her hedde, and the olde Dutches of Norfolke (age 56)b bearing upp her traine in a robe of scarlett with a cronett of golde on her bonett, and the Lorde Boroughe,c the Queenes Chamberlaine, staying the traine in the middes; and after her tenne ladies following in robes of scarlett furred with ermins and rounde cronettes of golde on their heades; and next after theim all the Queenes maides in gownes of scarlett edged with white lettushe furre; and so was shee brought to Sainct Peeters Church [Map] at Westminster, and their sett in her seate riall, which was made on a high scaffolde before the highe aulter; and their shee was anoynted and crowned Queene of Englande by the Archbishopp of Canterberied1 and the Archbishoppe of Yorke, and so sate crowned in her seate riall all the masse, and offred also at the said masse; and the masse donne, they departed everie man in their degrees to Westminster Hall [Map], she going still under the cannapie crowned with towe septers in hir handes, my Lorde of Wilshire, her father,e1 and the Lorde Talbottf leadinge her, and so theire dynned; wheras was made the most honorable feast that hath beene seene.
The great hall at Westminster was rytchlie hanged with rych cloath of Arras, and a table sett at the upper ende of the hall, going upp twelve greeses,a2 where the Queene dyned; and a rytch cloath of estate hanged over her heade; and also fower other tables alongest the hall; and it was rayled on everie side, from the highe deasse in Westminster Hall to the scaffold in the church in the Abbaj.
And when she went to church to her coronation their was a raye cloath,b2 blew, spreed from the highe dessesc of the Kinges Benche unto the high alter of Westminster, wheron she wente.
Note B. the 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. 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.
On 10 Sep 1533 the future Elizabeth I was christened at the Palace of Placentia, Greenwich [Map].
[his future sister-in-law] Gertrude Blount Marchioness of Exeter (age 30), Walter Blount, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (age 44) and Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset (age 46) were Godparents.
Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu carried the covered gilt basin. Charles Brandon 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 49) escorted the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk (age 56). Henry Grey 1st Duke of Suffolk (age 16) carried the Salt. Elizabeth Stafford Duchess Norfolk (age 36) carried the Chrisom. Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk (age 56) carried Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland. Henry Courtenay 1st Marquess Exeter (age 37) carried a taper of virgin wax.
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.
On 08 Nov 1534 William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy (age 56) died. His son [his future brother-in-law] Charles Blount 5th Baron Mountjoy (age 16) succeeded 5th Baron Mountjoy.
On 05 Jun 1535 [his wife] Mary Saye Countess Essex and Eu (age 61) died.
In 1536 Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu and Mary Blount (age 38) were married. She by marriage Countess Essex, Countess Eu. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward III of England.
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. 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 18th Earl Arundel (age 61) carried the train of the Prince's robe. Christopher Barker 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 (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 (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.
On 13 Mar 1540 Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu died. Earl Essex, Viscount Bourchier extinct. His daughter [his daughter] Anne Bourchier 7th Baroness Bourchier (age 23) succeeded 7th Baroness Bourchier. John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath (age 41) succeeded 2nd Count Eu. Neither he or his descendants used the title.
Letters of Thomas Cromwell. Thomas Cromwell (age 55) to King Henry VIII. 30 Jun 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 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
In 1555 [his former wife] Mary Blount (age 57) died.
John Champernowne and Catherine Blount were married.
Kings Wessex: Great x 13 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 11 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 12 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 3 Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 11 Grand Son of Malcolm III King Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 9 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks
Kings France: Great x 5 Grand Son of Philip "The Fair" IV King France
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Bourchier
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Bourchier 1st Baron Bourchier
Great x 4 Grandmother: Helen of Colchester
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Bourchier
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Prayers Baroness Bourchier
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Bourchier 1st Count Eu
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Louvain
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Louvaine
GrandFather: Henry Bourchier 2nd Count Eu 1st Earl Essex Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: King Edward II of England Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: King Edward III of England Son of King Edward II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabella of France Queen Consort England
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Hainault I Count Hainault III Count Avesnes III Count Holland II Count Zeeland 6 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Philippa of Hainault Queen Consort England 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Valois Countess Zeeland Holland Avesnes and Hainault 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne of Gloucester Plantagenet Countess Eu and Stafford Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton
Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Humphrey Bohun 7th Earl Hereford 6th Earl Essex 2nd Earl of Northampton Great Grand Son 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
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Bohun Duchess Gloucester 2 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 Grandmother: Joan Fitzalan Countess Essex, Hereford and Northampton 2 x Great Grand Daughter 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
Father: William Bourchier Viscount Bourchier 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: King Edward II of England Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: King Edward III of England Son of King Edward II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabella of France Queen Consort England 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edmund of Langley 1st Duke York Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Hainault I Count Hainault III Count Avesnes III Count Holland II Count Zeeland 6 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Philippa of Hainault Queen Consort England 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Valois Countess Zeeland Holland Avesnes and Hainault 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard of Conisbrough 1st Earl Cambridge Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Alfonso "Avenger" XI King Castile 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Peter "Cruel" I King Castile 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Maria Burgundy Queen Consort Castile
4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Isabella of Castile Duchess York 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Juan García Padilla 1st Lord Villagera
Great x 3 Grandmother: Maria Padilla
Great x 4 Grandmother: María González Henestrosa Lady Villagera
GrandMother: Isabel York Countess Eu and Essex Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Mortimer 2nd Earl March
5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Mortimer 3rd Earl March, Earl Ulster 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Philippa Montagu Countess March
Great x 2 Grandfather: Roger Mortimer 4th Earl March 6th Earl Ulster Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Lionel Plantagenet 1st Duke of Clarence
Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Philippa Plantagenet Countess March 5th Countess Ulster Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Burgh Duchess of Clarence
2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Mortimer 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Holland 1st Earl Kent
4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan "Fair Maid of Kent" Princess Wales Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Holland Countess March and Ulster 2 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 Grandmother: Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent 2 x Great Grand Daughter 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
Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Woodville
Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Woodville
GrandFather: Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Bittelsgate
Great x 1 Grandmother: Joan Bittelsgate
Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Beauchamp
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Beauchamp
Great x 4 Grandmother: Idonea Lisle
Great x 2 Grandmother: Joan Beauchamp
Mother: Anne Woodville Viscountess Bourchier 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Luxemburg Lord of Ligby 7 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Guy of Luxemburg I Count Saint Pol and Ligny 8 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Alix Dampierre
7 x Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Luxemburg Count St Pol 3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Jean Chatillon Count Saint Pol Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Mathilde Chatillon Countess Saint Pol 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Jeanne Fiennes
5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Peter Luxemburg I Count Saint Pol 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Louis Count of Enghien
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Brienne
GrandMother: Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Francesco Baux 1st Duke Andria
Great x 1 Grandmother: Margherita Baux 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roberto Orsini Count 2 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Nicholas Orsini Count 3 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Sueva del Balzo
Great x 2 Grandmother: Sueva Orsini 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Jeanne Sabran
