Tudor Treasures & Medieval Musings
WITH GRADUATE HISTORIAN JESSICA CAREY-BUNNING
‘Blynd Dyk’ was an harpist at Henry VIII’s court. Very little is known about this man, other than he was an harpist who began serving at Henry VIII’s court some time prior to 1511, and ended his employment in September, 1516. From his name, we can surmise that he was blind and that his Christian name was Richard. Here is a summary of his appearances in Henry VIII’s accounts:
‘Lady Sussex desires you to return her the ring she sent you with a wreath of gold, for it is the Queen of Hungary’s, “who would not lose it for a king’s ransom, but maketh much ado for it. The owner is kin to my lady Pawlet. Mrs. Polle knoweth who oweth it.’
The Royal Collection Trust holds the Anne Boleyn Clock. Its value goes far beyond its ornate decoration and fine craftsmanship; it is believed to have been a wedding-day present from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn.
Below is the record of Henry VIII’s household expenses for 1519. The grand total of the Royal Household expenses was £20,359. 8s. 5½d.
On the 18th December, 1533, a Thomas Mayhew signed off a letter to Thomas Cromwell, with ‘God send you a merry Christmas.’
I am very excited to read Heather R. Darsie, Historian‘s new book ‘Children of the House of Cleves: Anna and her Siblings’ which will be …
