Biography of Christopher Urswick 1448-1522
In 1448 Christopher Urswick was born.
On 29 Oct 1485 King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 28) processed from Tower of London [Map] to Westminster Abbey [Map]. Ahead of him marched the heralds and serjeants-at-arms, the Esquire of the Body, the King's Secretary Richard Fox (age 37), almoner Christopher Urswick (age 37), the mayor of London and the Garter King of Arms. Also ahead of him were Thomas Stanley 1st Earl of Derby (age 50), John de la Pole 1st Earl Lincoln (age 23), John de Vere 13th Earl of Oxford (age 43) and William Berkeley 1st Marquess Berkeley (age 59). Following behind were the only two Dukes: Jasper Tudor 1st Duke Bedford (age 53), created the day before, and John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk (age 43).
In 1488 Christopher Urswick (age 40) was appointed Dean of York.
Hall's Chronicle 1492. After that, all this army was arrayed and even ready to set forward whereof were chieftains and leaders, Jasper Duke of Bedford (age 61), and John, Earl of Oxford (age 50) beside other the King (age 35) sent Christopher Urswick (age 44) almoner, and syr John Wriothesley knight to Maximilia (age 33), to certify him that the King was all in a readiness, and would shortly arrive in the continent land, as soon as he were advertised that Maximilian and his men, were ready and prepared to join with him. The Ambassadors sailed into Flanders, and after their message done, they sent two letters in all hast to King Henry, the which not only sore unquieted and vexed him, but also caused him to take more thought, care and study on him then he did before: for they declared that no prince could be more unprovided or more destitute of men and armure, no more lacking all things, appertaining to war than was Maximilian, and that he lay lurking in a corner, sore sick of the flux of the purse, so that he had neither men, horses, munitions, armour nor money, nevertheless his mind and will was good, if his power and ability had been correspondent and therefore there was no trust to be put in his aide or puissance. Their letters both appalled and made sorrowful the King of England, which like a prudent prince did well consider and ponder, that it were both jeopardous and costly, for him alone to enterprise so great a war. And on the other part, if he should desist and leave of his pretended purpose, all me might call him coward and recreant prince. Beside this, he thought that his own nation would not take his tarrying at home in good nor favourable part, considering that syth they had given so large money for the preparation of all things necessary and convenient for the same, they might conceive in their heads and imagine, that under colour and pretence of a dissimulated war he had exacted of the notable sums of money, and now the treasure was once paid, then the war was done, and his coffers well enriched, and the commons impoverished. So that at this time he doubted and cast perils on every side and part, and beside this he was not a little sorry that Maximilia author of this war did absent himself and defraud him of his society and assistance. And while he studied and mused what counsel he should best take in such a doubtful and sudden case, he like a grave prince, remembering the saying of the wise man, work by counsel and thou shall not repent the, assembled together all his lords and other of his private counsel, by whose minds it was concluded and determined, that he should manfully and courageously persevere and precede in this broached and begun enterprise, recording well with themselves, and affirming plainly that all chivalry and martial prowess, the more difficult and heard that it is to attain to, the more renowned is the glory, and the fame more immortal of the vanquisher and obtainer. Therefore by this counsel of his friends and senate, he made Proclamation that every man should set forward into France, and yet not opening how Judasly Maximilian had deceived him, least that they knowing the whole fact, should not be so courageous to go toward that battle and precede forward on their journey. And therefore, to provide and force all perils and dangers that might accidentally ensue, he so strengthened, multiplied and augmented his army in such number before he took ship, that he with his own power might discourage and overcome the whole puissance of his adversaries.
In 1494 Christopher Urswick (age 46) was appointed Archdeacon Richmond.
In 1500 Christopher Urswick (age 52) was appointed Archdeacon of Norwich.
In 1504 Christopher Urswick (age 56) was appointed Archdeacon of Oxford.
Before 1509 Christopher Urswick (age 61) was appointed priest and confessor to Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond (age 65).
On 24 Mar 1522 Christopher Urswick (age 74) died in Hackney. He was buried in St Augustine's Church Hackney.
Hall's Chronicle 1492. When King Henry was returned into England, he first of all things elected into the Society of Sainct George, vulgarly called the Order of the Garter, Alphose duke of Calabria son, according to his desire which Alphonse was son and heir to Ferdinand King of Naples,and after King of the same realm, until he was overcome by King Charles. And after, the King sent Christopher Urswick, Ambassador with the garter, collar, mantel, and other habiliments appertaining to the companions of the said noble order. Which Ambassador arriving at Napels [Map], delivered to the duke the whole habile, with all the ceremonies and due circumstances thereunto belonging which duke very reverently received it, and with more reverence requested himself with the same in a solemn presence, thinking that by this apparel and investiture, he was made a friend and companion in order with the King of England, whose friendship obtained, he feared nothing the assaults or invasions of his enemies. And this was the cause that he desired so much to be companion of that noble order, firmly believing that the King of England sovereign of that order, should be aider and maintainer of him against the French King, whom he knew would passe the mountains and make war on him. But this custom of assistance in orders was, either never begun, or before clearly abolished: For in our time there have bene many noble men of Italy, companions as well of the Golden Fleece in Burgundy, as of the order of Saint Michael in France, that have bene banished and profligate from their natural country, and yet have not been aided by the sovereign nor companions of the same order. For surely the statutes and ordinances of all the said orders do not oblige and bind them to that case, but in certain points. After this the duke dismissed the Ambassador, rewarding him most princely.