In the days following the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s clerks compiled a reckoning of the late queen’s expenses in the 5 months before …
“THE QUEEN’S RECKONING”
Henry VIII
HENRY VIII AND KATHERINE OF ARAGON’S ANULLMENT
It is a familiar story – man leaves his devoted wife of many years for a younger woman. It is easy to look at Henry …
ANNE BOLEYN’S JEWELLERY
Henry VIII had lavished Anne Boleyn with jewels, gifting her many exquisite pieces during their courtship and marriage. In addition, Anne had demanded, and received, the jewels of Katherine of Aragon. We only know what happened to a portion of Anne’s jewellery collection; what happened to the rest remains a mystery.
A letter from one of Henry’s European ambassadors indicates that Mary received a large portion of Anne Boleyn’s jewellery; an entry in ‘Letters and Papers’ summarises a letter sent from Mr Pate, ambassador, to Henry VIII on the 1st July, 1536; the entry states:
ANNE OF CLEVES & CATHERINE HOWARD
On the 3rd of January, 1541, less than six months after the annulment of her marriage to Henry VIII, Anne of Cleves travelled from her palace at Richmond to Hampton Court in order to personally deliver her New Years gifts to her ex-husband and his new, pretty wife, Catherine Howard.
Though Chapuys was generally hostile to Anne due to religious and political differences, his admiration for the former queen’s behaviour upon meeting her former lady-in-waiting and replacement is evident:
THE FACE OF A YOUNG HENRY VIII?
This bust, which has been in the Royal Collection since its creation, has been identified as a young Henry VIII. Analysis of the style and dating of the paint has revealed that it was created c.1498, when Henry would have been only 7 years old
THE FASHION OF JANE SEYMOUR’S LADIES
Above: Portrait Jane Seymour by Hans Holbein the Younger, c.1536-37Jane is portrayed here wearing the English gable hood she also insisted her ladies wear Both …
HENRY VIII’S HARPIST – BLYND DYK
‘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:
A MYSTERIOUS TUDOR RING
‘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.’
ANNE BOLEYN’S CLOCK
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.
HENRY VIII’S HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES
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.
