Early Years

King Henry VIII was born at Greenwich Palace, London, he was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York

Henry was christened in the church of Observant Friars at Greenwich Palace by the Bishop of Exeter, Richard Foxe.

Prince Henry was created Constable of Dover Castle and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

Prince Henry was created Earl Marshall of England.

Prince Henry was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. His deputy was Sir Edward Poynings.

Prince Henry was made a Knight of the Order of Bath.

Prince Henry was created Duke of York.

Prince Henry was appointed Lord Warden of the Marches of Scotland.

Prince Henry was made a Knight of the Garter.

Prince Henry began his formal education under the tutelage of John Skelton, Poet Laureate. He was taught to speak and write Latin and French and also taught a basic understanding of Italian and Spanish. He was also given lessons on deportment and etiquette.

Henry’s sister, Mary , was born to Henry VII and Elizabeth of York at Richmond Palace.

Prince Henry carried out his first public duty. He attended a meeting of the City of London Trade Guilds and was presented with a pair of gilt goblets by the Lord Mayor.

Henry’s elder brother Arthur was married by proxy to Catherine of Aragon

Prince Henry began studying classical works in Greek and Latin, mathematics, French and music. He learned to play the lute, the harpsichord and the recorder and was taught to read and compose music. He also had coaching in horsemanship, archery, fencing, jousting, wrestling, tennis and swordsmanship.

Prince Henry met Erasmus when he and the other royal children shared lunch with Thomas More and Erasmus.

Henry’s brother, Prince Arthur, aged 14 years was married to Catherine of Aragon, aged 16 years. The groom wore a white satin suit while the bride wore a white satin dress with bell sleeves and pleated skirt over a farthingale as well as an elaborate headdress of white silk, gold and pearls.

Arthur, Prince of Wales, died of a viral infection. Henry became heir to the throne

A treaty was drafted which provided for a marriage between Catherine of Aragon and Prince Henry.

Henry’s mother, Queen Elizabeth, died nine days after giving birth to a baby girl. The child died soon after her mother.

A new treaty provided for the marriage of Catherine of Aragon to Prince Henry. The marriage would go ahead provided the Pope granted a dispensation allowing the pair to marry. The dispensation was necessary because Catherine’s marriage to Arthur meant she was related to Henry. However, this was only the case if the marriage had been consummated.

Prince Henry and Catherine of Aragon were formally betrothed by the Bishop of Salisbury.

Henry’s elder sister, Margaret , married King James IV of Scotland . The bride wore a gown of white damask bordered with crimson velvet with a pearl and gold collar. She also wore a crown and veil.

The Pope granted the dispensation necessary for Prince Henry and Catherine of Aragon’s marriage.

Prince Henry was created Prince of Wales.

King Henry VII ratified the treaty for the marriage of Prince Henry and Catherine of Aragon but he made no announcement regarding a likely date for the marriage to go ahead.

On his father’s orders, Prince Henry formally objected to the marriage of his brother’s widow. The formal objection was witnessed by the Bishop of Winchester, the Lord Privy Seal and other members of the Privy Council.

Henry VII stated that the proposed marriage between Prince Henry and Catherine of Aragon would not go ahead until he had received the remaining portion of Catherine’s dowry.

Prince Henry showed off his skill at jousting during a number of tournaments held to celebrate his sixteenth birthday.

Early Reign

After a long illness, King Henry VII, aged fifty-two years, died from tuberculosis at Richmond palace, Surrey. Henry became King Henry VIII.

Henry VIII was financially secure – his father had left around 1 million pounds in the treasury. The new King modelled himself on his predecessor Henry V and swore to continue Henry V’s war with France.

To gain popularity and to show the people that he would be a different ruler to his father Henry imprisoned his father’s financial advisers, Edmund Dudley Richard Empson and Henry Stafford for imposing a tyranny of taxation on England. Henry also took up residence in the Tower of London where he would stay until after his coronation.

As was the custom on the accession of new monarchs, Henry VIII freed all prisoners except those accused of serious crimes or murder.

Henry’s grandmother, Margaret Beaufort , took control and formed a new council. Members of the council included Thomas Howard, Thomas Ruthall, William Wareham Archbishop of Canterbury , Henry Marnay, Richard Fox

King Henry VII was buried in Westminster Abbey. John Fisher , Bishop of Rochester led the service.

Henry’s grandmother, Margaret Beaufort, died. Before she died she told Henry to listen to the advice of John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester.

Henry visited Catherine of Aragon in her private chambers and proposed to her.

Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon in the church of Greenwich Palace. The service was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Warham.

Henry and Catherine took part in a special Coronation procession. Henry wore a cloth of gold tunic with a red velvet robe. Catherine wore an embroidered gown of white satin and a coronet of rich stones on her head.

Henry was crowned King Henry VIII and Catherine was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey. Henry sat in Edward I’s coronation chair to receive the crown of Edward the Confessor. The service was conducted by William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury. After the ceremony a coronation banquet was held at Westminster Hall. The streets of London were decorated with tapestries and cloth of gold and food and drink were set out on trestle tables for the people.

As King, Henry took no part in the government of the country and would only attend to necessary state matters at a time that suited him, generally after he had hunted or played sport.

Catherine of Aragon announced that she was pregnant.

Henry VIII appointed Thomas Wolsey as King’s almoner.

Catherine was prematurely delivered of a stillborn daughter. Miscarriage and stillbirth were a common occurrence in the sixteenth century.

The Pope sent Henry VIII a golden rose as an act of friendship.

Thomas Wolsey became a Knight of the Garter and a member of the privy council

Catherine announced a second pregnancy

A peace treaty was signed with Spain.

A son, Henry, was born to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Guns were fired from the Tower of London and the city bells were rung. Beacons were lit to announce the royal birth to the country.

Prince Henry was christened at Richmond. His godparents were the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Surrey and the Countess of Devon.

The royal court moved to the Palace of Westminster where banquets and tournaments were held to celebrate the Prince’s birth.

Prince Henry died at Richmond Palace. Both King and Queen were deeply upset. The infant prince was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Henry VIII and Catherine went on a progress of England. A progress was a form of working holiday where the monarch would visit different regions of his land staying with noblemen.

Thomas Wolsey became a member of the King’s council. Henry was impressed with the way that he handled governmental matters quickly and efficiently.

Holy League

Henry VIII joined the Holy League of Spain, Venice and the Pope. He hoped this move would help him to conquer lands in France.

Treaty of Westminster

This was signed by Henry VIII and Ferdinand of Spain. The Treaty agreed that both England and Spain would attack France before the end of April 1512.

England declared war on France.

The Lord High Admiral, Sir Edward Howard, was commissioned to command a fleet of eighteen ships. He was told to harass French ships and threaten the French coast to prevent any French naval attack on England.

An English naval force commanded by the Marquis of Dorset landed at San Sebastian in Spain. They were to join forces with Spain to attack France.

Ferdinand of Spain abandoned the English army once he had secured Navarre. The English soldiers had few supplies and resorted to drinking quantities of Spanish wine which made them ill. In the insanitary conditions of the makeshift camp many contracted dysentery and died.

An English army commanded by the Earl of Surrey was sent North to be ready for any invasion the Scots might make in support of their ally, France.

The Battle of Brest

Edward Howard, Lord Admiral, attacked the French fleet off Brest in Northern France. The Battle was won by the English.

Thomas Wolsey drew up plans for the forthcoming invasion of France.

An act was passed that laid down standards for a number of fortifications to be built along the South Coast.

The English army left for France

Edward Howard attempted to win a naval victory over the French. However, the French outmanoeuvred him, he was overpowered and thrown into the sea.

Thomas Howard, brother of the late Edward Howard, was appointed Lord Admiral in his brother’s place.

Thomas Howard was sent north at the head of an army to strengthen the north against any attack by the Scots.

Henry VIII, accompanied by Catherine, rode out of London at the head of an army of around 11,000 men. They were bound for Dover to await passage to Calais in France.

The English army in France, commanded by Shrewsbury and Somerset marched out of Calais and laid siege to Therouanne.

Henry set sail from Dover bound for Calais. When he reached Calais tournaments and celebrations were held for his safe arrival. Catherine was to act as regent in Henry’s absence.

James IV of Scotland sent a naval force to relieve the siege of Therouanne. An ultimatum was delivered to Henry VIII which stated that if Henry remained on French soil then James would attack England.

Henry VIII joined the siege of Therouanne. He ordered that prefabricated buildings be put up so that he could live in as much splendour as possible.

Scotland declared war on England

Battle of the Spurs

A French army of around 15,000 approached the English army laying siege to Therouanne and Henry ordered the English to attack. The two sides met near the village of Borny. The French, seeing the approaching English army turned and fled, leading the battle to be dubbed ‘The Battle of the Spurs.’ Many French noblemen were captured and held for ransom.

James IV of Scotland marched into England at the head of a 20,000 army

Henry took the town of Therouanne in France.

Henry VIII left Therouanne and marched to Tournai.

Catherine ordered the Earl of Surrey and Thomas Howard to march north to Flodden Edge. The Earl was reluctant to attack James’ camp so marched towards Berwick.



James IV broke camp and moved to prevent the Earl of Surrey from taking Berwick. When they sighted the English James ordered his Scots soldiers to attack, however, many were killed by English archers and canon fire. The Scots were easily defeated with many, including James IV being killed. His seventeen month old son became Battle of Flodden FieldJames IV broke camp and moved to prevent the Earl of Surrey from taking Berwick. When they sighted the English James ordered his Scots soldiers to attack, however, many were killed by English archers and canon fire. The Scots were easily defeated with many, including James IV being killed. His seventeen month old son became King James V

The Earl of Surrey dismissed the English army. With a minor on the throne of Scotland the country posed no immediate threat to England.

Siege of Tournai

The English army laid siege to the French town of Tournai

Catherine went into labour prematurely and was delivered of a son that died soon after birth.

Tournai fell to the English.

Treaty of Lille

With Winter approaching the English were unable to make further gains in France this year and so a new treaty was agreed between Henry VIII, Ferdinand of Spain and Maximillian, Holy Roman Emperor, to make a new invasion of France the following year. The treaty was to be sealed by the marriage of Henry’s sister, Mary to Ferdinand’s grandson, Charles.

Henry and the English army returned to England

Henry contracted smallpox but made a speedy recovery.

Thomas Wolsey became Bishop of Lincoln.

Henry VIII learned that despite agreeing to the terms of the Treaty of Lille in 1513, Ferdinand of Spain was making no move to prepare to invade France. Henry therefore decided to make peace with France. The peace was to be sealed with the marriage of Henry’s younger sister Mary to King Louis XII

Henry’s sister Margaret, widow of James IV of Scotland, gave birth to a son, Alexander. He was created Duke of Ross.

Catherine announced that she was pregnant again.

A new ship, the Henry Grace a Dieu was built at the newly constructed dockyard at Woolwich. It was the largest warship in the world.

Henry’s sister, Mary, begged Henry not to marry her to the elderly King of France but Henry insisted the marriage go ahead. Henry did agree that when the King died Mary would be able to marry whoever she chose.

Anne Boleyn was one of the girls selected to go to France as a maid to Princess Mary.

Henry’s elder sister, Margaret, widow of James IV of Scotland, married Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus.

Henry VIII began a flirtatious relationship with Bessie Blount

Henry’s sister, Mary left England for France.

Henry’s sister, Mary, married King Louis XII of France.

Henry’s sister, Mary was crowned Queen of France.

King Louis XII of France died.

Thomas Wolsey acquired Hampton Court.

Mary and Anne Boleyn were asked to serve the new Queen of France, Queen Claude wife of Francis I

Catherine of Aragon was delivered of a stillborn son.

Henry’s sister Mary married Charles Brandon . The couple had not been given permission to marry by the King.

The Treaty of Paris agreed a renewed peace between France and England.

Mary and Charles Brandon, Duke and Duchess of Suffolk, were allowed to return to England on condition that they pay Henry £1,000 per year for 24 years.

Catherine of Aragon announced her fifth pregnancy.

Henry’s sister, Margaret appealed to her brother to help her situation in Scotland. The Duke of Albany had been made regent of Scotland and he wanted custody of Margaret’s two sons by James IV of Scotland. Margaret refused and shut herself and her children up in Stirling Castle. When no help came from her brother Margaret had no choice but to hand the children over.

Rise of Wolsey

Thomas Wolsey was officially created a cardinal by William Warham. The ceremony took place in St Paul’s cathedral.

Thomas Wolsey became Lord Chancellor.

Queen Catherine gave birth to a healthy baby girl at Greenwich Palace. The child was named Mary

Princess Mary was christened.

Henry’s sister, Mary Brandon, gave birth to a son, Henry.

The truce with Scotland, made after the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513, was extended until the end of January 1517.

Henry VIII began negotiating a peace with Burgundy.

Evil May Day

The people of London had become increasingly hostile towards the numbers of foreigners in the capital. Londoners claimed that the foreigners stole their jobs and used up English resources and food. During the May Day celebrations riots broke out. Despite attempts for peace the riots continued into the night when the King sent instructions for Norfolk to raise an army to stop the riots.

279 people were charged with treason for their part in the May Day riots. Fifteen Londoners were found guilty of inciting the riot and were sentenced to be executed.

Francis I of France, worried that the treaty between England and Burgundy might threaten France, began negotiating for peace between England and France.

The Treaty of Rouen

provided peace and mutual aid between France and Scotland. This treaty meant that if England were to attack Scotland then France would launch a counter-attack on England.

Sweating sickness reached England. Henry and the court left London.

In Germany, Martin Luther sent a letter to Archbishop Albert of Mainz requesting that the sale of indulgences stop. He included a copy of his work ‘Disputation of Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences’ also known as the ’95 Theses’. The story is traditionally told that Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg but this is now disputed as being symbolic rather than an actual act. Nevertheless, this marks the beginning of the Reformation

French ambassadors in England returned to France as no agreement on peace terms had been reached.

Catherine of Aragon announced her sixth pregnancy.

In France the English towns of Calais and Tournai were readied for a possible French attack.

Henry and the court were in residence at Windsor.

In a bid to gain Venetian support against France, King Henry VIII set about persuading the Venetians that the King of France was deceitful.

Due to a new outbreak of sweating sickness, Henry moved the court to Woodstock.

Francis I of France asked for peace negotiations with England to be re-opened.

Henry VIII was having an affair with Elizabeth (Bessie) Blount, one of the Queen’s ladies in waiting.

Thomas More became secretary to the King and gave up his law practice.

Thomas Wolsey was appointed bishop of Bath and Wells.

French officials, Bonnivet, Admiral of France and the Bishop of Paris arrived in England to discuss terms for a peace between the two countries.

The visiting French officials were received at Blackheath where they were entertained with a banquet and pageant.

Terms were agreed for the return of Tournai to France and a peace between the two nations.

The Treaty of London

This treaty provided that France and England would live in peace and not invade each others territories. The treaty was to be sealed with the marriage of the Dauphin of France and Princess Mary. Tournai would be returned to France before the end of November.

Henry VIII and the foreign ambassadors travelled in procession to St Paul’s Cathedral where they celebrated a mass to give thanks for the universal peace between the two countries.

Princess Mary aged two years was formally betrothed to Henri, the Dauphin of France.

A tournament was held as part of the Treaty of London celebrations. Henry had spent a total of £5,000 entertaining the French ambassadors.

Catherine of Aragon was delivered of a daughter but she was weak and died within days.

Henry VIII began to have serious doubts regarding his marriage. Partly due to another child dying after a few days and partly because one of the French ambassadors had commented that “the King of England had no son because although he was young and handsome himself he kept such an old and deformed wife.”

It was first recorded this year that Henry began to suffer from recurring headaches and migraines. This affliction was to last all his life.

King Henry VIII added a new wing to Greenwich Palace. The second floor contained a new library housing 329 books which were kept in desks or combined lecterns.

Henry VIII began an affair with Thomas Boleyn ‘s eldest daughter, Mary

Maximillian, Holy Roman Emperor, died. Henry VIII put his name forward as a candidate for the title.

Henry VIII decided to stand down as a candidate for the title of Holy Roman Emperor. He did this because he had learned that the two other candidates, Charles V of Spain and Francis I of France had spent vast sums of money in bribes for votes and as a result Henry had no chance of winning the election.

Charles V of Spain was elected Holy Roman Emperor.

Henry’s former mistress, Elizabeth (Bessie) Blount gave birth to a baby boy. Henry was overjoyed that he was able to father a son and concluded that his lack of male heir was not his fault. The child was named Henry and given the surname Fitzroy (King’s son).

Catherine began to withdraw from court life. It is thought that the number of pregnancies and stillbirths had affected her health. She may have also been suffering from depression.

Henry VIII arranged for Elizabeth Blount to marry Gilbert Talboys. The couple were given generous gifts of land and money.

Negotiations began between England and France for a summit meeting between the countries’ two kings.

Thomas Wyatt joined the court as an Esquire of the Body. He soon gained a reputation as a poet.

Nicholas Kratzer, the King’s astronomer, made the first polyhedral sundial.

Wolsey took control of arrangements for the forthcoming summit meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I. It was decided that the meeting would take place in the no man’s land between English Guisnes and French Ardres.

An agreement was made with Scotland that the Scots would not invade England during the period of the summit meeting between Henry and Francis I.

Margaret Pole , Countess of Salisbury, was given charge of Princess Mary’s household.

Henry and his court of 6,000 reached Canterbury. He was to meet Emperor Charles V before crossing the channel to meet Francis I.

Henry and Catherine met Charles V. It was the first time that Catherine had met her nephew. Henry and Charles had secret talks which were followed by a banquet and dancing.

Charles left England. A further meeting between Henry and Charles was to take place at Gravelines after the summit with Francis I.

Henry and the royal court crossed the Channel for the summit meeting with Francis I. A total of 27 ships were needed to take everyone across the Channel.

The English court left Calais for Guisnes.

Wolsey, chief organiser of the summit, rode in procession to the French court at Ardres. He was attended by 100 archers, 50 gentlemen ushers and number of priests.

Henry VIII and Francis I met. Both kings were attended by a large retinue and both were grandly dressed in rich cloth and jewels. The Kings embraced warmly and ratified the treaty of London.

Field of the Cloth of Gold

This was the name given to the summit meeting between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. It gained its name because a large number of cloth of gold tents had been erected in the no man’s land between English Guisnes and French Ardres. Henry stayed in a temporary palace which had a stone base and walls of half timber, half brick. The palace was constructed with a central courtyard and had a magnificent fountain in front. Tournaments, jousts, banquets and dancing celebrated the meeting between the two kings. This was the name given to the summit meeting between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. It gained its name because a large number of cloth of gold tents had been erected in the no man’s land between English Guisnes and French Ardres. Henry stayed in a temporary palace which had a stone base and walls of half timber, half brick. The palace was constructed with a central courtyard and had a magnificent fountain in front. Tournaments, jousts, banquets and dancing celebrated the meeting between the two kings.

Henry and Francis formally said goodbye and agreed to build a chapel on the site of their meeting which would be named ‘The Chapel of Our Lady of Peace’

Henry VIII met Charles V at Gravelines. They agreed a treaty which stated that neither was able to enter into any new alliances with France or other country without each other’s consent for a period of two years.

Henry returned to England.

The peace between England and Scotland agreed in 1520 was extended.

Henry VIII completed his book Assertio Septum Sacramentorum (Assertion of the Seven Sacraments) against the teachings of Martin Luther. The 30,000 word book was written in Latin and bound with cloth of gold.

English ambassadors were sent to France to try to persuade Francis to make peace with Charles V

Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, was executed for treason. He had been found guilty of plotting to take the throne for himself. He was a popular figure and his execution was not well received by the people.

Henry was reluctant to commit troops to aid Charles against Francis but Henry told Charles that if he would agree to a betrothal between himself and Princess Mary Henry would offer aid. Charles had no choice but to accept the terms.

Treaty of Bruges

This was a treaty between England and Spain which agreed that Henry would keep the Channel clear thus allowing Charles free passage between Netherlands and Spain. In return Charles agreed to allow a safe crossing of the Channel for English vessels between England and Calais. It was also agreed that Henry and Charles would jointly invade France before 15th May 1523.

A beautifully bound copy of Henry’s Book Septum Sacramentorum was presented to the Pope. The Pope gave Henry the hereditary title Fidei Defensor (Defender of the Faith).

The Scottish Duke of Albany, who had been detained in France, was sent back to Scotland. Francis I of France reasoned that if Henry VIII attacked France then Albany could attack England from Scotland.

Henry VIII refused any renewal of the peace with Scotland unless Albany was expelled.

Anne Boleyn returned to England from France where she had been a lady in waiting to Queen Claude.

Adrian Dedel of Utrecht was elected Pope Adrian IV. Wolsey was dismayed because Charles V had agreed to support him for Pope.

Anne Boleyn, aged 15 years was given a place in the Queen’s household.

Charles V was reassured that Henry would support him in any attack of France.

Anne Boleyn took part in her first court pageant. Her sister Mary, who was the King’s mistress, partnered Henry in the dances.

Charles V arrived in Dover to meet with Henry.

Henry VIII declared war on France.

Treaty of Windsor

This treaty between England and Spain was an extension of the Treaty of Bruges 25th August 1521. Princess Mary and Charles V were formally betrothed in the presence of the English court.

The Earl of Surrey was sent to Calais with an army to join Charles in attacking areas of France.

Charles V returned to Spain.

The Earl of Surrey entered French territory where he began raiding and burning towns and villages.

A month’s truce was agreed between England and Scotland and Albany returned to France.

Charles’ generals decided to abandon the attacks on France.

Henry VIII proposed a sixteen year truce with Scotland which included a provision that Albany remain in France and that a marriage between James V and Princess Mary be made to seal the treaty. Scotland refused the terms.

Parliament was summoned for the first time in eight years to approve taxation to raise money for the forthcoming invasion of France.

The Duke of Suffolk invaded France with instructions to lay siege to Boulogne. However, the promised help from Charles V did not materialise.

The Earl of Surrey was sent north to carry out a series of raids on the border towns.

Pope Adrian IV died.

The Duke of Suffolk abandoned the siege of Boulogne and marched towards Paris with the Spanish General Count Buren.

The Earl of Surrey burned the border towns of Jedburgh and Haddington as well as destroying villages and farms in the Merse and Teviotdale. The Duke of Albany who had returned from France marched against the English with a Scottish army.

Thomas Wolsey discovered that Henry Percy had made a secret betrothal to Anne Boleyn. Percy, who was already betrothed to Mary Talbot, was forbidden to see Anne Boleyn and sent back to his homeland of Northumberland to marry Mary Talbot. Anne Boleyn was furious and swore to seek revenge on Wolsey.

The Duke of Albany sent an army into England to lay siege to Wark. However, they were forced back to Edinburgh by bad weather.

The combined forces of Suffolk and Buren in France reached the outskirts of Paris. However, Francis had anticipated their move and the capital was filled with French troops. The weather was bad and many roads impassable. Insanitary conditions had led to the death of more than 100 English troops so Suffolk made the decision to return to Calais.

Despite assurances that Charles V would back Wolsey for Pope, Guilo de Medici was elected Pope Clement VII.

Suffolk’s retreat in France resulted in a severe loss of popularity for Wolsey. People were angry that the increased taxation imposed by Wolsey had been for nothing.

Suffolk and the English army returned to England.

Henry began to have serious doubts about the validity of his marriage. He believed that God was punishing him for marrying his brother’s wife

England and France began secret peace negotiations.

Henry VIII appointed his brother in law, Charles Brandon, Earl Marshall of England.

English ambassadors, Pace and Russell, joined the Duke of Bourbon on his march to lay siege to Marseilles and gave him a sum of money from Henry. Bourbon suggested that England should invade Northern France.

Henry VIII sent a message to Bourbon telling him that it was impossible for him to invade Northern France at such short notice. Henry did not completely trust Bourbon and was worried that he might warn Francis of any invasion thus disrupting the ongoing secret peace talks.

Marseilles withstood the siege by the Duke of Bourbon. Bourbon’s army, short of food and unpaid refused to fight on and the Duke returned to Italy.

In Scotland Margaret Tudor, helped by Henry VIII, succeeded in making her 12 year old son King James V of Scotland thus ending the regency of the Duke of Albany.

Negotiations began regarding a possible marriage between James V of Scotland and Henry’s daughter Mary.

Scotland and England began negotiating a possible peace treaty.

Anne Boleyn had attracted the attention of the poet Thomas Wyatt. This meant that she was drawn into the King’s circle at court.

Jean Brinon, first President of the French Parliament arrived in England to join the continuing peace negotiations.

A letter from the Spanish ambassador to Charles V was intercepted. The letter told Charles to make peace with France and form an alliance against England before the peace between England and France was settled. The Spanish ambassador was placed under house arrest.

Francis I, King of France was taken prisoner after being defeated at the Battle of Pavia. When Henry heard the news he wanted to invade France immediately but was prevented from doing so due to lack of funds.

Henry introduced a new tax called the Amicable Grant to try to raise money so that he could invade France. This new tax met resistance in the South of England. Protesters refused to pay the tax and threatened anyone paying it with violence.

Charles V demanded that Henry VIII send Princess Mary with part of her dowry in cash to him immediately. Henry refused to contemplate sending her to Spain before her twelfth birthday. Charles replied that if Henry would not send Mary to Spain then he wanted to be released from the betrothal so that he could marry elsewhere. Henry dispatched ambassadors to Spain to try to persuade Charles to mount a joint invasion of France with Henry.

The Amicable Grant, which had met marked resistance in the South of England, was renounced.

Charles V, who was in negotiations to marry Isabella of Portugal, sent word to Henry that he would agree to jointly invade France if Henry were to send Mary and her full dowry in cash to him in Spain immediately.

King Henry VIII publicly recognised his illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, when he created him Duke of Richmond.

Henry learned of Charles V’s intention to marry Isabella of Portugal when Charles V formally renounced his betrothal to Mary.

Henry VIII was unconcerned by reports that Lutherism had reached England.

The Ordinances of Eltham were used by Wolsey to reorganise the Royal household. During the reorganisation a number of Catherine’s women, who did not agree with his policies, were dismissed.

Princess Mary was sent to Ludlow to establish her own court in the Welsh marches. Catherine was upset that her daughter was to be sent away from London.

The Treaty of the More

This was a collection of five treaties that settled peace between England and France.

Thomas More was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Copies of William Tynedale’s English New Testament began to appear in England. The book had been published in Germany and smuggled into England.

Henry VIII aged 35 years asked Anne Boleyn aged 19 years to become his mistress. He was amazed when she refused saying that she would only surrender her virginity to the man she married.

Thomas Wyatt was sent on a diplomatic mission to Italy. It is thought that Henry wanted him away from Anne Boleyn.

Copies of the English New Testament were among heretical books burned on a huge bonfire at St Paul’s.

The Douglas family led by Angus Douglas succeeded in capturing and taking control of the 14 year old King James V.

Anne Boleyn, unable to cope with the King’s attention, spent much time at her family home of Hever Castle. Henry who was still infatuated with her wrote her many letters protesting his love for her.

A treaty was signed by France and England that agreed that neither country would deal with Charles on an individual basis.

Princess Mary returned to London to celebrate Christmas with her parents.

Work began on a temporary building at Greenwich which would include a banqueting hall and a disguising house. Henry VIII wanted to make a good impression on ambassadors that would be visiting court over the summer and autumn.

Princess Mary returned to Ludlow.

French ambassadors arrived in England to negotiate terms for peace and a marriage between England and France. Negotiations were suspended when the Bishop of Tarbes questioned the validity of Henry’s marriage, having married his brother’s widow, and the legitimacy of Princess Mary.

Divorce Crisis

Although he was concerned by the comments made by the Bishop of Tarbes, Henry knew that they echoed what he had been feeling for some time. He was especially concerned by a passage in Leviticus that warns of the consequences which would be inflicted by God on anyone marrying his brother’s widow. Henry reasoned that the consequences in his case were a lack of a male heir.

This reasoning together with his infatuation for Anne Boleyn led Henry to the conclusion that he had to divorce Catherine. He had three options:

1. He could prove that the dispensation granted in 1503 by Pope Julius II allowing him to marry Catherine was invalid on some technical point.

2. He could prove that Julius II had exceeded his papal powers by granting the dispensation. This would involve proving that it was forbidden for a man to marry his brother’s widow by God’s law and that the Pope did not have the power to override God’s law.

3. He could persuade Catherine to enter a convent.

Princess Mary was summoned to court so that she could be seen by French ambassadors negotiating a peace and marriage treaty with England.

Wolsey was kept busy trying to find evidence that would further Henry’s divorce. His line of enquiry centred around trying to find out whether or not Catherine’s marriage with Prince Arthur had been consummated. He also tried to find evidence that Henry had been coerced into a marriage with Catherine. Eventually Wolsey came up with a plan. Wolsey would use his power as papal legate to summon Henry to appear before an ecclesiastical court which he would preside over. Henry would be charged with co-habiting with his brother’s widow and would plead guilty to the charge. The court would then order him to separate from Catherine and the marriage would be declared invalid.

Treaty of Westminster

This treaty agreed that an Anglo/French embassy would be sent to Spain to negotiate the release of Francis II’s two sons, the repayment of Charles’ debt to England and peace in Europe. Henry VIII also agreed to give up all claims to the French throne in return for a yearly payment by France.

Anne Boleyn returned to court. She was given beautiful apartments and showered with jewellery and fine clothes. She had accepted Henry’s proposal to marry as soon as he was divorced from Catherine.

The Greenwich Reception was held to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Westminster. It was held in the newly finished extension to Greenwich Palace and included a joust followed by a banquet and dancing.

The Sack of Rome by the combined forces of Charles V and Bourbon meant that the Pope was under the control of Charles V.

An ecclesiastical court was convened at Wolsey’s Palace, York Place. Henry was summoned and admitted the charge of marrying his brother’s widow. The court was adjourned to consider the case.

Catherine learned of Henry’s move to divorce her.

Despite Wolsey’s best efforts the ecclesiastical court convened to try Henry’s marriage was unable to reach a decision regarding the King’s marriage. The commissioners decided that since any decision they made could be overturned by the Pope the case should be referred to Rome.

The fact that the Pope was under the control of Charles V, Catherine’s nephew, meant it was unlikely that Pope Clement VII would find in Henry’s favour.

Commissioners were sent to Rome to put a number of propositions to the Pope.

1. He could issue a dispensation allowing Catherine to enter a convent.

2. He could issue a dispensation which would allow Henry to take a second wife for the sole purpose of begetting a male heir.

3. He could extend Wolsey’s legatine power allowing Wolsey to try the case in England on the Pope’s behalf.

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, declared himself to be against an annulment of the King’s marriage.

Henry VIII told Catherine that they must separate because they had been living in sin. He asked for her cooperation and said that she could choose a house to retire to until the matter was resolved. Catherine was very upset and told Henry that her marriage to him was lawful and that she would resist any move to have the marriage annulled.

Thomas More told Henry that he believed the marriage with Catherine was lawful.

Catherine managed to get a letter out of the country to her nephew, Charles V, telling him of her situation in England. She asked Charles to speak to Henry on her behalf and also to persuade the Pope to make sure that the case was tried in Rome.

An embassy of 1,000 headed by Wolsey left England to meet with Francis II at Abbeville. Wolsey talked to Francis about the King’s ‘Great Matter’ as the divorce was referred to and, unaware of Henry’s plans to marry Anne Boleyn, talked of a possibility of a French bride for Henry.

Anne Boleyn joined Henry at Beaulieu where he was spending a month hunting. They lived together openly and the rumour that Henry was planning to marry Anne Boleyn soon spread. The King’s plan to divorce Catherine had met with strong disapproval by most of the population who blamed Wolsey and Anne Boleyn for trying to replace Catherine.

The realisation that Henry VIII intended to marry Anne Boleyn left Wolsey in a difficult position for he was working to secure the rise of Anne Boleyn who had sworn revenge on Wolsey after he had broken up her relationship with Henry Percy in 1521.

The Treaty of Amiens provided for the marriage of Henry’s daughter, Mary, to Francis II’s second son, Henry, a commercial treaty where England would suspend trade with the Netherlands in favour of France and a treaty to mutually refuse to attend a General Council while the Pope remained captive. It was also agreed that both countries would demand the release of Francis II’s sons by Charles V.

Dr William Knight was sent on a secret mission to Rome by Henry. Knight was to ask the Pope for a dispensation which would allow King Henry to marry Anne Boleyn even though he had had a relationship with her sister.

A bad harvest this year was blamed on Anne Boleyn and Thomas Wolsey.

Henry began to consider the warnings of the Boleyn family that Wolsey was working for his own interests rather than those of the King. The news that Wolsey had detained Knight on route to Rome added to Henry’s concerns about Wolsey.

Charles V told Pope Clement VII that he should take no steps that would further the annulment of his aunt’s marriage.

The Pope had negotiated his freedom from Charles V but was reluctant to offend Charles by furthering Henry’s divorce. Additionally, Clement VII like many other theologians did not believe that the passage in Leviticus applied if the brother had died. Although he received Dr William Knight he told him to tell Henry that he was unable to annul the marriage at this time.

Wolsey received a General Commission from the Pope allowing him to try the King’s marriage in England. However, he was not allowed to pass judgement. Wolsey replied to the Pope asking that the legate Campeggio be sent to England to pass judgement on the case.

It was widely known that King Henry VIII had set Catherine aside for Anne Boleyn and this was not well received. Anne Boleyn was booed and jeered whenever she appeared in the streets.

England declared war on the Netherlands but the planned invasion by England and France was postponed. Henry had hoped that victory over the Netherlands would force Charles V to sue for peace. The declaration of war was an economic disaster for England since the Netherlands stopped trading with England, a move that badly affected the cloth trade.

The effects of the trade embargo by the Netherlands led to many cloth workers becoming unemployed. Villagers and workers marched to Archbishop Warham’s palace at Knole and handed him a petition demanding that the King repay them money lent under the amicable grant in 1525.

The Pope agreed to send Cardinal Campeggio to England to try the King’s marriage.

Charles V warned the Pope that any move to help the King of England’s divorce could result in another sack of Rome.

Campeggio was instructed by the Pope that his main objective in England was to delay any hearing of the King’s marriage case. He was also given a decretal commission that would allow him to declare the marriage null and void if the facts warranted and give both parties license to remarry.

An outbreak of sweating sickness reached London. Henry VIII and the court moved to Hunsdon.

An agreement was reached with Charles V that meant that trade between England and the Netherlands could resume.

People were facing hardship due to the effects of the poor harvest of 1527 and the loss of trade with the Netherlands for six months. Prices of corn had risen by one shilling per bushel. Commissioners were sent to farms and any farmer found hoarding more than he needed to feed his family was forced to sell the surplus. Thomas More helped by feeding around 100 needy people per day.

One of Anne Boleyn’s ladies was taken ill with sweating sickness. Henry sent Anne to Hever in case she had caught the disease. Henry moved the court again to Tittenhanger where he kept himself virtually secluded and heard mass three times a day.

Anne Boleyn was taken ill with a mild form of sweating sickness. When he heard the news Henry sent one of his own physicians to Hever.

Peace negotiations with Charles V broke down.

The nun, Elizabeth Barton, who was said to have the gift of prophecy announced that if Henry cast away his wife then God would see that he was no longer King.

Catherine of Aragon was very popular with the population and whenever she was seen she was greeted with cries of “victory over your enemies”.

Princess Mary returned to court because she was in poor health.

An outbreak of sweating sickness forced the court to move from Tittenhanger to Ampthill.

Anne Boleyn returned to court having fully recovered from sweating sickness.

Wolsey met Catherine’s almoner, Robert Shorton. Shorton insisted that Catherine’s first marriage had not been consummated and stated that there were Papal bulls in Spain which allowed Catherine and Henry to marry despite any impediment. Wolsey told Shorton to impress upon Catherine that she should retire to a convent leaving Henry free to remarry.

Cardinal Campeggio reached Dover. He had been delayed by storms and heavy rainfall. Campeggio refused a state welcome preferring to travel quietly to London. Wolsey and Campeggio met and Wolsey was astounded to learn that Campeggio intended trying to effect a reconciliation between Catherine and Henry before he would even consider hearing the case.

The Boleyn faction were intent on working to see Wolsey fall from favour. They made pointed comments in Henry’s presence about the lavishness of Wolsey’s ‘court’. Wolsey became concerned about losing favour with Henry and so made Henry a gift of Hampton Court Palace.

Catherine chose her legal counsel – William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, Dr Henry Standish, Bishop of St Asaphs, Cuthbert Tunstall, Bishop of London and John Clerk, Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Catherine announced that she had in her possession a copy of the dispensation issued by Julius II in 1504 that allowed her to marry Henry regardless of whether her marriage to Arthur had been consummated or not.

Cardinal Campeggio reached London and announced that he was so tired from his journey that he needed to rest for a few days.

Campeggio met Henry and suggested that Henry should attempt a reconciliation with Catherine. Henry told Campeggio that he would settle for nothing less than an annulment of his marriage. Campeggio therefore agreed to try to persuade Catherine to enter a convent.

Campeggio met Catherine and advised her to enter a convent and retire gracefully. However, Catherine made it clear that her first marriage had been unconsummated and that she intended to live and die a married woman.

Catherine stated that she would not accept the findings of Wolsey and Campeggio’s court and that she would only accept the findings of the Pope himself. Campeggio was annoyed that Catherine would not retire to a convent and felt that she was compromising the position of himself and the Pope since the case would necessitate questions of theology and the relationship of theologians and God.

Catherine was notified by letter that she was inciting the people to rebellion by riding out and that if she persisted in working against the King then she would be separated from both the King and her daughter, Mary.

Catherine was separated from princess Mary and kept in isolation. She continued to refuse to enter a convent.

Wolsey wrote to Catherine telling her that the copy of the Papal dispensation she had in her possession was useless since no court would recognise a copy. He told her that she had to send to Spain and have the original brought to England for the court to see. Catherine was worried that if the original was brought to England it would be destroyed.

Wolsey noticed that he was invited to court much less than he had been in the past.

Campeggio was concerned by the spread of Lutheran literature in England. He was also concerned by the fact that Anne Boleyn, who was in favour of Church reform, was persuading Henry of the virtues of Church reform. Henry was impressed by the argument that the clergy should not be so greedy and should not have great possessions or sums of money. He was also interested by the idea that the King should be majestic and should rule over all.

The Spanish Ambassador Mendoza knew that it would only take a small invasionary force to topple Henry from the throne. Wolsey was hated and for the first time the King was losing popularity. However, he also knew that neither Catherine nor Charles would sanction an invasion of England. Mendoza therefore wrote to Charles asking to be recalled to Spain.

Richard Rich became MP for Colchester

Henry Fitzroy became Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. William Skeffington was appointed his deputy.

Thomas Wolsey exchanged his bishopric of Durham for that of Winchester, the richest see in England

Stephen Gardiner was sent to Rome to warn the Pope that unless the two cardinals gave Henry a favourable decision regarding his marriage Henry would renounce his allegiance to the Papal See.

Catherine lodged an appeal to Rome against the authority of the legatine court and the ability of Wolsey and Campeggio to try the case.

Henry VIII asked Catherine to choose those she wished to represent her during the forthcoming trial. Although she still refused to acknowledge the authority of the legatine court she chose Archbishop Warham, Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of Ely and St Asaph and her main suppporter, John Fisher Bishop of Rochester.

The Duke of Suffolk was sent to Paris to discuss terms for peace with Francis.

Wolsey and Campeggio opened the legatine court at Blackfriars. Henry and Catherine were summoned to appear before the court on 18th June.

Catherine made formal protest to Rome against the Legatine Court.

Catherine was loudly applauded as she made her way to the Legatine Court. Once inside, she challenged that authority of the Court and the qualification of the two legates to hear the case. She stated her wish for the case to be heard in Rome, but this was denied. Both Catherine and Henry were told to reappear on 21st June.

The Legatine court reassembled at Blackfriars. Henry spoke of his fears that his lack of male heir was evidence of God’s displeasure that he had married his brother’s widow. Catherine, in reply, made a very moving speech asserting the validity of her present marriage. She then walked over to Henry and knelt at his feet. She asked him to take pity on her as she was a foreigner. She also asked Henry to bear witness that she had been a virgin on their wedding night. Turning to the two legates she then stated that she did not recognise the authority of their court and asked for the case to be referred to Rome. When this was refused she turned and walked out of the court. Catherine was declared in contempt of court and a citation was made calling for her to return on 25th June.

The legatine court reopened. Catherine did not appear and was declared in contempt of court. The trial continued in her absence.

At the legatine court John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, spoke saying that in 1527 Henry had asked all bishops to voice their opinions on his marriage. The Bishop now stated that in his opinion the royal marriage was legal for he believed that the papal dispensation granted in 1503 had removed any impediments there might be to the marriage.

Wolsey continued to fall from favour. Henry declined an invitation to entertainments at The More, Wolsey’s private home and Wolsey was not invited to join the court at Woodstock during the summer.

Henry ordered the legates to visit Catherine and persuade her to submit to his wishes. Catherine was reluctant to receive them privately saying that they could speak freely in front of her women. Despite their persuasions she maintained her belief in the legitimacy of her marriage.

Pope Clement VII decided to revoke the commission granted to Wolsey and Campeggio and refer the King’s divorce case to Rome.

News of the Pope’s decision reached England. Wolsey was very worried as to the King’s reaction to the news.

The legatine court reassembled at Blackfriars. The court was packed as it was rumoured that a decision would be made. However, Campeggio merely announced that because of the large number of documents to be examined he would be unable to give judgement today. He went on to say that the court would now have to be adjourned until October because it was practice in Rome to break for the summer months. The court was shocked and the duke of Suffolk shouted “It was never merry in England while we had Cardinals among us.” Henry walked out of the court.

Wolsey wrote letters to the Pope begging him to return the legatine authority. He also wrote letters to Charles V begging him to allow Henry to divorce Catherine and letters to Catherine begging her for the sake of the country to enter a convent. Wolsey knew that if no new move were made he would be finished.

Henry was furious when he received a summons from Rome to appear before the papal curia. He was becoming aware that the Pope may never grant him a divorce. He realised that he needed to find another solution.

Bishops Fox and Gardiner suggested that Henry listen to the ideas of Thomas Cranmer who believed that Henry VIII might have more luck securing his divorce if the validity of his marriage was tried by theologians in the universities rather than canon lawyers in ecclesiastical courts.

Henry began his summer progress taking with him Anne Boleyn rather than Catherine.

Wolsey hoped to win back favour with Henry when he escorted Campeggio to Grafton. However, Wolsey was dismayed to find that no accommodation had been provided for him. Although he spoke to the King Henry made it plain that he was angry that the divorce matter had not been settled speedily.

A new Spanish ambassador, Eustache Chapuys arrived in England.

Thomas Cranmer was summoned to appear before the King. He told him that it was his opinion that the marriage should be tried by the Doctors of Divinity in the universities for it was them that studied the Bible and were therefore better qualified to discuss its meaning. If the marriage was found to be invalid then all that would be needed was for the Archbishop of Canterbury to pronounce the King a free man. Henry was impressed with the idea and ordered Cranmer to set aside all other work and devote himself to the divorce.

After many requests the new Spanish ambassador, Chapuys was granted an audience with Henry. However, the ambassador soon realised that the King was set on a divorce and would not be persuaded otherwise.

Henry now had no further use for Wolsey and so he was summoned to appear before judges to answer a charge of praemunire (exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction without the King’s permission)

Wolsey pleaded guilty to the charge of praemunire. He surrendered York Place as well as “the lands, offices, goods, all temporal possessions, all debts due and all arrears of pensions” to the King. Wolsey told his household officers that they were to make detailed inventories of each room, closet and cupboard.

The dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk were sent by Henry to take back the Great Seal from Wolsey. Wolsey knew that this act meant that he was finished and there was no hope of regaining favour with the King. Wolsey left for Esher taking with him just a few trusted servants.

Henry VIII appointed his friend, Thomas More as Chancellor. However, More only accepted the position on condition that he would not be involved in the King’s divorce. More believed the King’s marriage to be valid though he was careful to remain silent on the subject.

Although he had written to the King begging for mercy Wolsey was stripped of all his offices except Archbishop of York. Wolsey began a journey north to the province of York which he had never seen in the sixteen years he had been archbishop.

Despite his close connection to Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell did not fall from favour and a position was found for him as MP for Taunton

Relations between Henry and Anne were not as good as they had been. Anne was now twenty-eight years old and constantly reminded Henry that if it had not been for him she wold have been married with children by now. She accused Henry of deliberately keeping her waiting. She also demanded that Henry send Catherine away from Greenwich and stop sending all his mending and embroidering to her.

Reformation Parliament summoned. This parliament was called the reformation parliament primarily because it passed a number of acts concerned with reforming the Church. Reforms included plurality, fees charged for probate and mortuary and sanctuary. Bishop Fisher angrily commented “Now with the Commons it is nothing but Down with the Church!”

Henry changed the name of York Palace to Whitehall and began renovating the palace for use by Anne Boleyn.

Anne’s father, Thomas Boleyn, was created Earl of Wiltshire. Anne was now Lady Anne Boleyn while her brother George was Lord Rochford.

Catherine was ordered to leave Greenwich Palace and go to Richmond.

Henry VIII told Catherine that even if the Pope declared their marriage to be lawful he would still have his divorce. He told her that the Church of Canterbury was more important than that of Rome and that if the Pope found against him he would declare the Pope a heretic and marry whomever he chose.

Thomas Wolsey was taken ill at Esher. Henry sent three of his own physicians to tend Wolsey.

Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire was created Keeper of the Privy Seal.

Stephen Gardiner and Edward Fox began consulting the universities as to their opinion on the King’s marriage.

Anne Boleyn was furious when Henry allowed Wolsey to continue as Archbishop of York.

Wolsey was told that as Archbishop of York he must now go to his diocese of York.

The Pope issued a brief which forbade Henry from re-marrying until a verdict on his marriage had been passed in Rome. However, the brief was not published.

Henry VIII wrote to the Pope stating that if it were the case that Catherine could not expect a fair trial in England then it must also be true that he could not expect a fair trial in Rome.

Catherine wrote to her representative in Rome, Dr Pedro Ortiz and begged him to put pressure on the Pope to find her marriage lawful.

The Pope issued a brief which forbade anyone from expressing an opinion on the King of England’s marriage.

A meeting of the Parliament Chamber decided that Lutherism should be denounced and a list of banned books be published. Tynedale’s New Testament was formally condemned.

Wolsey wrote letters to Francis I and Charles V hoping to secure their aid to bring about Anne Boleyn’s downfall. However, neither expressed interest in Wolsey’s plans.

European universities were canvassed to find their position regarding Henry’s marriage. All scholars deciding that Henry’s marriage was unlawful received a sum of money.

A bonfire at Paul’s Cross burned forbidden books including Tynedale’s English New Testament.

The Duke of Suffolk was banned from court after he told Henry the lie that Anne Boleyn was having an affair with Thomas Wyatt.

Henry was annoyed with Charles V because Charles refused to extradite William Tyndale so that he could be tried in England for heresy. Charles argued that heresy was not an offence that warranted extradition.

The Pope was sent a petition signed by the majority of Lords Spiritual and Temporal asking him to annul the King of England’s marriage. The petition warned the Pope of the consequences of not annulling the marriage.

Henry VIII ordered that Wolsey’s college at Ipswich be dissolved. Although Wolsey protested the college was closed and subsequently demolished.

Wolsey left Nottinghamshire to make the journey north to York. He took up residence in Cawood palace to await his official enthronement as Archbishop of York on 7th November. Crowds of people accompanied Wolsey on his journey and rumours spread that Wolsey would lead a revolt against the King.

King Henry commented that his Chancellor, Thomas More, seemed more interested in persecuting heretics than helping to secure his divorce.

Henry discovered that Wolsey had been trying to bring about Anne Boleyn’s downfall. Henry saw this as working against the King.

A warrant for Wolsey’s arrest was drawn up. It was sent to Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, who was instructed to arrest Wolsey and bring him to London.

Henry Percy arrived at Cawood Palace where he told Wolsey that he was arresting him in the name of the King.

Henry Percy and Thomas Wolsey began the journey south. Wolsey’s health deteriorated rapidly during the journey.

Thomas Wolsey died at 8am at the Abbey of St Mary in Leicester.

Henry VIII was summoned to Rome to state his case regarding his marriage. Henry was furious with Rome.

Anne Boleyn organised a masque called ‘Of the Cardinal’s Going to Hell’ to celebrate Wolsey’s death. Henry was not happy with this.

Catherine was present at court for the Twelfth Night celebrations and Henry sat at the same table with her.

The Pope issued a brief which ordered Henry to separate from Anne Boleyn. The brief had been issued at Catherine’s request. When it was presented to him, Henry merely glanced at the paper and put it aside.

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, continued to support Catherine’s cause. He made a statement saying that it would be against God’s law for the King to make himself Head of the Church, a move Henry was now planning.

Despite resistance from some members of the clergy, an Act was passed which confirmed that Henry was now Supreme Head of the Church in England. Henry proclaimed that the Pope should now be referred to as The Bishop of Rome.

Thomas More, who privately did not support Henry’s divorce, began to consider resigning as Chancellor.

Henry VIII visited Catherine on a regular basis hoping to persuade the people that he had been forced to set Catherine aside against his will.

Henry allowed Princess Mary, who had been in poor health, to visit her mother at Richmond Palace.

Thomas More made a speech to Parliament saying that it was the opinion of eleven of Europe’s universities that the marriage was unlawful. Although More believed the marriage to be lawful he realised that he had to remain in office if he were to secretly work for Catherine’s cause.

Henry VIII wrote to the English ambassador in Rome ordering him to tell the Pope that if he continued to summon Henry to Rome then Henry would destroy papal authority in England.

A deputation of Privy Councillors – Dr Stephen Gardiner, Rowland Lee, Dr Sampson and Longland, Bishop of Lincoln – were sent to try to persuade Catherine to agree to an annulment of her marriage. She refused and went on to deny Henry’s Supremacy of the Church and stated that she would only abide by a decision made by the Pope.

Anne Boleyn was impatient to be married and displayed fits of tempers and bad moods. Henry was finding her difficult to be with. Thomas Howard was concerned by his niece’s behaviour and removed his support.

Henry VIII moved the court to Woodstock. He did not tell Catherine and left her and Mary, who was visiting her mother, alone at Windsor.

Catherine was told that she should leave Windsor. She was asked to choose a place of residence for herself, either a nunnery or a smaller palace. Catherine was unhappy and wrote to Henry telling him that he had taken matters too far.

Henry was now living openly with Anne Boleyn.

Anne Boleyn was extremely unpopular with the people who tended to support Catherine. A mob of some 7,000 women marched on a house where she was dining intent on lynching her. She escaped unhurt but was badly shaken.

Catherine was not invited to court for Christmas and Henry returned her gift saying that as they were no longer man and wife it was not proper for them to exchange gifts.

Break with Rome

Henry acquired the site of St James’ hospital where he built a new palace, St James’ Palace.

Anne Boleyn returned to court after visiting her family at Hever.

Supplication Against Ordinaries

This was a list of grievances against the Church and included questions regarding the right of the Church to make its own laws and the legality of ecclesiastical courts.

Act in Conditional Restraint of Annates

This bill limited payments to Rome to just 5% of the net revenue for any benefice. It also allowed for an Archbishop to consecrate a Bishop and for two Bishops to consecrate an Archbishop. There were many Lords and Bishops who opposed the bill but it was eventually passed.

Catherine was instructed to leave The More and move to the palace at Bishop’s Hatfield in Hertfordshire.

Submission of the Clergy

This was a short document which made three concessions: 1. The clergy would make no new laws without the consent of the monarch. 2. The clergy would allow all existing ecclesiastical laws to be reviewed by a deputation appointed by the King. 3. Convocation would not meet without royal permission. The document had to be signed by all the clergy and it was done so, reluctantly by many.

Thomas More, who disagreed with any move to break with Rome, resigned his position as Chancellor on the grounds of ill health.

Thomas Audley was given the position of Chancellor.

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, preached a sermon defending Queen Catherine’s rights. Henry was not happy.

Archbishop of Canterbury, William Warham was served a writ of praemunire (acting over his authority against that of the Monarch) by Henry. Although he had signed the Submission of the Clergy, Warham had made it clear that he would not sanction acts of Parliament against the power of the church.

The Countess of Northumberland petitioned parliament for a divorce from Henry Percy on the grounds of a pre-contract between him and Anne Boleyn. Not wanting any trouble from the King, Percy was brought before the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and forced to swear that there had been no such pre-contract.

Henry VIII took Anne Boleyn on a Summer progress of the southern counties but the tour had to be abandoned due to the extent of hostility shown to Anne Boleyn.

Catherine’s closest friend, Maria de Salinas, Lady Willoughby, was ordered to leave Catherine’s household. she was told not to make any attempt to communicate with Catherine.

Thomas Abell, who had spoken in public for Catherine, was sent to the Tower.

William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, died

Thomas Cranmer was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury.

Anne Boleyn was created Marquess of Pembroke. It was the first time a hereditary title had been given to a woman. The ceremony took place at Windsor.

Catherine was told to move to Enfield which offered less comfortable accommodation.

Sir Francis Bryan, Francis Weston, Anne Boleyn finally surrendered to Henry and they began living openly as man and wife. Anne had her own court which included George Boleyn and his wife Jane, Lady Rochford William Brereton , Sir Thomas Wyatt and other members of the Boleyn family.

Henry and Anne Boleyn arrived in Dover where they would cross to Calais. While there the nun, Elizabeth Barton told Henry that an angel had told her to tell Henry that he needed to return to both the Pope and his wife or face a life of damnation. Henry ordered that the nun be watched.

Henry and Anne accompanied by Henry Fitzroy, the duke of Suffolk, the duke of Norfolk and Thomas Cromwell as well as other members of the nobility crossed the Channel from Dover to Calais.

Henry VIII rode out of Calais to meet with Francis II at Boulogne. He was accompanied by a retinue of 600 lords, gentlemen and soldiers.

Francis II visited Henry at the Exchequer Palace in Calais. Anne was ordered to remain out of sight because Henry did not want her presence to affect the outcome of the summit meeting.

A masked ball was held as part of the summit meeting between Henry and Francis II. Anne Boleyn was fed up with remaining out of sight and made a grand entrance. After unmasking she boldly led Francis to dance.

Anglo-French Treaty

Henry and Francis agreed a treaty that if the Turks attacked Europe then they would provide troops to protect Europe.

Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond accompanied Francis back to Paris where he would finish his education in the French capital.

Henry and Anne returned to England.

The nun, Elizabeth Barton again approached the King and told him that if he married Anne Boleyn then he would die within a month and the plague would reach England within six months.

Richard Rich became Solicitor General

Anne Boleyn told Henry that she was pregnant. Henry knew that he had to marry Anne as soon as possible to ensure the child’s legitimacy. He decided to marry Anne secretly.

Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn in the King’s chapel at Whitehall. Dr Rowland Lee, one of the royal chaplains, married the couple.

Although her marriage and pregnancy were still a secret, Anne told the court that she had a strong craving to eat apples and that Henry had suggested she were pregnant.

Henry ordered Catherine to move to Ampthill which was some distance from London.

A great banquet was held at Whitehall and a very drunk Henry referred to Anne’s great dowry and rich marriage.

Act in Restraint of Appeals

This act, drafted by Thomas Cromwell, established that English law and the English King were subject to no foreign power. It was set before parliament.

Thomas Cranmer was officially consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Spanish ambassador, Eustache Chapuys urged Charles to declare war on England in retaliation for Henry’s treatment of Catherine.

Convocation declared by 14 votes to 7 that if Catherine’s first marriage had been consummated then her marriage to Henry was against God’s law.

A group of lawyers told Convocation that after considering all the evidence they were certain that Catherine’s first marriage to Arthur had been consummated.

Convocation ruled that the Pope did not have the authority to issue a bull that set aside passages in the Bible and that no man should marry his brother’s wife.

Act in Restraint of Appeals

After some amendments since it was first introduced, this Act now passed parliament and became law. The Act forbade all appeals to foreign tribunals in all spiritual, revenue and testament cases. Spiritual and secular jurisdiction was to be the ultimate responsibility of the King. The Pope now had no right to intervene in England.

Henry VIII announced to his council that he had married Anne Boleyn and that she was pregnant with their first child.

The Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk were sent to Ampthill to tell Catherine that Henry and Anne were married. She was told that as she was now no longer queen she must use the title Princess dowager of Wales. She was allowed to keep her property but her servants and household expenses would now be her responsibility. She was also told that if she submitted to the King’s will she would be generously provided for.

Thomas Cranmer was formally authorised to pass judgement on the King’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Reginald Pole, living in exile on the continent, spoke against Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn.

Act in Restraint of Annates

This act, first introduced in 1532, was now made law.

Anne Boleyn’s pregnancy became common knowledge.

Jane Seymour became a member of Anne Boleyn’s household.

Chapuys, the Spanish ambassador, who continued to work to try to improve Catherine’s situation, was warned by the Privy Council not to meddle in English and the King’s affairs.

Thomas Cranmer declared that Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon was null and void on the grounds that it was contrary to divine laws. Bishop Fisher protested against the decision.

Thomas Cranmer pronounced that Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn was legal.

Lady Anne, Marquess of Pembroke was received by the Lords as Queen of England.

A deputation was sent to tell Princess Mary of the decision on her parents’ marriage. She was told that she should not communicate with her mother any more.

Anne Boleyn was crowned Queen of England in St Peter’s Abbey, Westminster. She walked in procession from Westminster Hall to the Abbey but despite the fact that people lined the streets to watch there was no cheering for the new Queen.

Henry’s sister, Mary Brandon, died aged 37 years.

Anne Boleyn went to Hampton Court to rest in preparation for the birth of her child in September.

A deputation visited Catherine trying to persuade her to submit to the King’s wishes. However, Catherine steadfastly refused to deny the validity of her marriage to Henry.

Henry was furious with Catherine’s continual obstinacy and ordered her to move to the Bishop of Lincoln’s Palace at Buckden in Huntingdonshire.

Elizabeth Barton was brought before Cranmer where she confessed that she had fabricated her ‘prophecies’

Henry VIII and Anne moved to Windsor and Anne took to her chamber to await the birth of her child.

Birth of Elizabeth – Anne Boleyn gave birth to a baby girl with red hair and her mother’s features. Henry was disappointed that the child was a girl and blamed both God and Anne for denying him a son.

Henry and Anne quarrelled when Anne expressed a wish to breastfeed her child herself. Henry forbade this and employed a wet nurse for the child.

Princess Elizabeth was christened and confirmed by the Bishop of London in the church of Franciscan Friars at Greenwich. Her godparents were the dowager duchess of Norfolk, the dowager marchioness of Dorset and Thomas Cranmer.

Mary was told that she would no longer be referred to as Princess. Her household was to be disbanded.

Henry Fitzroy married Mary Howard, daughter of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk.

Princess Elizabeth was assigned her own household at Hatfield Place. Lady Margaret Bryan, Anne’s aunt was appointed lady governess at the head of an army of nursemaids, laundresses, officials and servants. Mary was sent, against her will, to be maid of honour to the baby Princess.

Anne Boleyn announced her second pregnancy.

The Act in Absolute Restraint of Appeals

This act put into effect the terms of the Act of 1532 and transferred all payments from the Pope to the King.

Act Against Peter’s Pence

This act was passed. It forbade the payment of Peter’s Pence (a sum of money which had been paid annually to Rome since the time of William I). The Act also prohibited the selling of papal dispensations in England.

Henry declared that Anne would be ‘regent and absolute governess of her children and kingdom’ if he were to die prematurely.

Elizabeth Barton and many of her followers were found guilty of treason.

The Pope declared that the dispensation issued to allow Henry to marry Catherine of Aragon was legal and therefore his marriage to Catherine was lawful. He ordered Henry to leave Anne and return to Catherine.

Act of Succession

This act was introduced to exclude Mary from the succession and settle it instead on the children born from the marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. The Act also registered the invalidity of Henry’s marriage to Catherine and imposed severe penalties on those who opposed Henry’s second marriage.

Oath of Succession

The Act of Succession also included a clause allowing Henry the power to extract an oath from any of his subjects regarding the provisions of the Act. Henry insisted that all his councillors were to take the oath and they would then supervise the taking of the oath by their officers who would then ensure that all householders took the oath. This system meant that all men, women and children over the age of fourteen would swear to uphold the succession of the children of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Refusing to swear the Act would be an act of treason.

Act Concerning Submission of the Clergy

This Act was passed which made the terms of the Submission of the Clergy (1532) a valid statute. It also ratified the Act in Restraint of Appeals (1533) and stated that appeals from Archbishops should now be directed to Chancery.

Mary was taken ill, probably due to the stress she had been under. She requested permission to visit her mother but this was denied by Henry.

Thomas Cromwell was appointed King’s Secretary.

Catherine refused to swear the Oath of Succession.

Both John Fisher and Thomas More refused to swear the Oath of Succession.

John Fisher and Thomas More were taken to the Tower of London for refusing to swear the Oath of Succession. Both men were questioned by Richard Rich. Fisher was tricked into stating his allegiance to the Pope but Thomas More was careful to keep his answers neutral. Both men were tried for treason and found guilty.

Elizabeth Barton and four of her supporters were executed at Tyburn.

Henry VIII ordered that all Parish Priests erase all references to the Pope from Prayer Books. All preachers were told that their parishioners must be left in no doubt that the King and only the King was Head of the Church.

Catherine moved to Kimbolton Castle where her apartments were more comfortable than those of Buckden. From her window she could look across the rooftops to the country beyond. She also had her own chapel behind which was a small walled garden where she could walk on fine days.. She was attended to by two of Henry’s loyal subjects, Sir Edmund Bedingfield and Sir Edward Chamberlain. They were told that Catherine was to receive no visitors unless they held a special licence from the King.

Mary wrote to Henry formally protesting at the withdrawal of her title of Princess and the declaration of her illegitimacy. She told him that she would refuse all offers of marriage and that she would not enter a convent without her mother’s consent.

Anne was delivered of a stillborn child. Henry who did not want to lose face ordered the details be kept secret.

The Earl of Kildare cast off Ireland’s allegiance to England and declared Ireland for the Pope.

The small order of Friars Observant was closed and their seven houses acquired by the crown. Father Forrest from the Greenwich Friars Observant was sent to the Tower of London. It was suggested to Henry that it might be a good idea to close all the monasteries and divert their wealth to the crown.

Catherine’s health was deteriorating. Lady Willoughby, Catherine’s friend begged permission to visit her friend but this was denied.

Pope Clement VII died.

William Skeffington and William Brereton were sent to Ireland with Leonard Grey at the head of an English army to stop opposition to English rule.

Act of Supremacy

This act declared England as a sovereign state with the King as the head of both the country and the church. The Act gave the monarch the power over all areas that had previously been the province of the clergy and ecclesiastical courts. It also meant that his injunctions would be binding on the clergy and that he had the power to define faith in parliament. All heresy cases would now be prosecuted by special commissions. The King would also now appoint men of his choosing to ecclesiastical posts.

Treasons Act

This act made it a treasonable offence to deny any of the King’s titles. It stated that any malicious wish, will or desire to deprive the King or Queen of title or name of their royal estates was to be deemed treason. Slanderous publication of writing or words uttered describing the King as heretic, schismatic, tyrant, infidel or usurper would also be deemed treason.

A bill of attainder was passed against Thomas More under the terms of the Treason Act for refusing to take the Oath of Succession. His property and goods were to be forfeited to the King.

Mary’s former tutor, Richard Featherstone, was sent to the Tower for refusing to swear the Oath of Succession.

It was suggested that since England had broken with the Pope and the monasteries owed allegiance to the Pope they should be closed and their wealth taken by the crown. It was decided that monasteries should be visited and found guilty of mismanagement and immoral living in order to give a good reason for their closure.

Thomas Cromwell was made Vicar General Vice Regent in Spirituals. This post gave him the power to visit all monasteries in England.

Mary was taken ill again. She was still denied permission to visit her mother.

Henry had an affair with Madge Shelton, Anne Boleyn’s cousin.

In Ireland the Earl of Kildare surrendered to Leonard Grey.

Anne Boleyn declared she was pregnant.

Chapuys the Spanish ambassador tried to effect an escape from England for Catherine and Mary.

A number of Carthusian monks were found guilty of treason for denying the King’s supremacy. They were sentenced to a traitor’s death.

Chapuys abandoned his escape plan for Catherine and Mary when it was feared that if the plans were discovered the pair would be executed.

John Fisher was found guilty of high treason under the terms of the Treasons Act. He was sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered but the sentenced was commuted to beheading by Henry.

John Fisher, aged 76 years, was beheaded on Tower Hill. Fisher was the first bishop to be executed since Thomas Becket in 1170 and the people were deeply shocked.

Anne Boleyn was prematurely delivered of a stillborn child. Henry again kept the news secret because he was worried that people would say it was God’s revenge for the murder of Fisher.

Thomas More was tried for treason. He was tried by eighteen judges including Cromwell, Audeley, Norfolk, Thomas Boleyn, George Boleyn and Charles Brandon. More conducted his own defence but was found guilty and sentenced to death.

King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn left London for a Summer Progress to the West Country.

Thomas More was executed by beheading. He made a short speech asking people to pray for him and saying that he died the King’s good servant but God’s first.

Royal Commissioners were visiting many religious establishments. Monks were encouraged to leave the monasteries before they were closed.

Catherine’s former confessor John Forrest was found guilty of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The situation in England was attracting widespread condemnation from Catholic countries and there were fears of a Catholic invasion.

The Royal Progress visited Wulfhall in Wiltshire, the family home of the Seymour family.

Statutes were passed granting Henry the lands of his defeated enemies in Ireland. Further statutes were passed that made the Irish way of living illegal. All inhabitants of Ireland were told to learn English and wear English clothes.

A Bad harvest meant that food prices rose and people faced a hard winter. The poor harvest was blamed on Henry’s marriage to Anne and the execution of Bishops and monks.

Henry and Anne returned to Windsor Castle

The first complete Bible written in English was published. It was written by Miles Coverdale and dedicated to Henry and Anne. Henry approved the Bible and decreed that it should be circulated among the people.

Henry was openly courting Jane Seymour.

Anne discovered that she was pregnant again. She was aware that everything depended on the outcome of this pregnancy.

Catherine was taken ill complaining of chest pains. She was unable to eat and was confined to her bed.

Henry VIII gave permission for Chapuys to visit Catherine who was not thought to be dying. Mary was still refused permission to visit her mother.

Act of Union

This act unified England and Wales and divided the Welsh Marches into 7 shires. Each shire was required to send one knight to Parliament. Welsh officials were to speak English and all court business was to be undertaken in English.

See of Rome Act

This act against the Pope’s authority removed the last traces of papal power in England.

Act for Punishment of Sturdy Vagabonds and Beggars

This act set out appropriate measures for those who were deemed capable of working but refused to do so. Children aged between 5 and 14 who refused to work for their masters were to be whipped. Adult beggars who refused to work would be whipped for a first offence and lose part of their ear for a second offence.

Henry created Lord Leonard Grey Deputy of Ireland

The Spanish ambassador visited Catherine of Aragon at Kimbolton Castle.

Maria de Salinas, Lady Willoughby forced her way into Kimbolton Castle to see Catherine.

Catherine of Aragon died. It was commonly believed that Anne Boleyn had slowly poisoned her to death. Nowadays it is believed that she died from cancer.

Mary was taken very ill and it was commonly believed that she was being poisoned by Anne Boleyn.

Henry VIII fell from his horse during a joust and was unconscious for two hours. The fall caused a head injury that left him more bad tempered than before and also opened up an old wound on his leg that would cause him problems for the rest of his life.

Catherine of Aragon was buried in Peterborough Abbey following a funeral service delivered by the Bishop of Rochester.

Anne Boleyn miscarried of a son four months into her pregnancy. She blamed the miscarriage on concern following Henry’s fall and Henry’s interest in Jane Seymour.

Henry believed that the miscarriage of a son was God’s way of declaring that his marriage to Anne Boleyn was unlawful either because of her earlier pre-contract to James Butler or because of Henry’s affair with Anne’s sister, Mary Boleyn. He decided that he needed to find a way out of his marriage to Anne.

Rise of the Seymours

Jane Seymour’s brother, Edward, was appointed a Gentleman of the King’s Privy Chamber.

Closure of the Monasteries

A bill was presented to Parliament that authorised the closure of all monasteries with a revenue of less than £200 per year.

Thomas Cromwell was collecting evidence against Anne Boleyn. During the course of his investigations he heard that some members of Anne’s court were admitted to her chamber at late hours. Those named were George Boleyn, Henry Norris , Francis Weston, William Brereton and Mark Smeaton . Cromwell used this information to construct a case that Anne had committed adultery with all five men and that they had plotted to murder the King. The information was passed to Henry.

Jane Seymour was sent home to Wulfhall. Henry did not want her at court while a case was being made against Anne Boleyn.

Henry VIII signed a document authorising commissioners to enquire into any kind of treason committed by Anne Boleyn.

Cromwell presented Henry with a list of charges against Anne Boleyn. Henry was furious and ordered the arrest of all those concerned including the Queen.

Mark Smeaton was arrested and taken to Cromwell’s house for questioning.

Anne Boleyn was watching the May Day joust with Henry she noticed that Henry was in a very bad mood and did not speak to her. Both Henry Norris and George Boleyn were taking part in the joust. At the end of the joust Henry publicly accused Henry Norris of committing adultery with the Queen and ordered his immediate arrest.

Henry Norris and George Boleyn were taken to the Tower of London. Anne Boleyn was also arrested and taken by barge to the Tower.

Jane Seymour took up residence at Beddington Park in Surrey so that Henry could visit her in secret.

Francis Weston and William Brereton were arrested and taken to the Tower of London on suspicion of treason.

Thomas Wyatt and Richard Page were arrested on suspicion of committing adultery with the Queen. However they were later released. Cromwell reasoned that if two men were allowed to go free then the others accused would seem more guilty.

Henry moved to Hampton Court and began making preparations for his marriage to Jane Seymour.

Anne Boleyn was indicted before a grand jury for treason. She was charged with having committed adultery with Norris, Weston, Brereton, Smeaton and her brother George. She was also charged with plotting to murder the King and making fun of him in public.

The trial of those accused of committing adultery with the Queen took place. The Duke of Norfolk presided over the trial which found all men guilty. They were sentenced to death.

Anne Boleyn was tried by 26 peers of the realm including her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, who presided over the trial. Although Anne argued her innocence she was found guilty and sentenced to die by burning or beheading whichever the King chose.

Anne Boleyn was able to watch the executions of those accused with her from her rooms in the Tower. She was also told that she would be executed by beheading the following day.

Anne Boleyn was told that her execution was postponed until the following day because the executioner had not arrived from France. Henry wanted her death to be as quick as possible and had sent to St Omer for a headsman who was known for his skill in severing heads with a sword.

Thomas Cranmer sat at Lambeth Palace to judge the validity of Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. He found that the marriage was null and void due to Henry’s earlier affair with Mary Boleyn.

Anne Boleyn was executed by beheading with a single stroke of the sword. She was buried in the choir of the royal chapel of St Peter ad Vincula.

Henry VIII was formally betrothed to Jane Seymour at Hampton Court.

Elizabeth was taken from Greenwich to Hatfield House where she was to be cared for by Lady Margaret Bryan.

Mary was told that if she would take the Oath of Supremacy then she would be welcomed back to court.

Henry VIII married Jane Seymour in the Queen’s Closet at Whitehall.

Jane Seymour was proclaimed Queen of England at a ceremony at Greenwich.

Queen Jane made her official state entry into London accompanied by Henry. Crowds of people lined the streets and many cheered as she went past.

Act of Suppression

Using information gathered in his surveys, Cromwell persuaded Parliament to pass this act first introduced earlier in the year. All monasteries worth less than £200 per year were to be closed and their properties be placed at the King’s disposal. All displaced abbots and abbesses were to receive a pension and monks and nuns could either take up residence in larger houses or renounce their vows and join the outside world.

Mary reluctantly signed papers acknowledging her father’s supremacy and the invalidity of her mother’s marriage. She was assured by Chapuys that the Pope would forgive her actions because she had been forced to sign the papers.

Act of Succession

This act cancelled the two previous acts of succession and registered the invalidity of Henry’s first two marriages. Elizabeth was now given the same status as Mary and the succession was settled on the children of Henry and Jane Seymour.

Mary joined the court in London.

Ten Articles

These were a series of articles introduced by Cromwell to improve the conduct of the clergy and the worship of the people. The articles included stipulations that sermons should be preached at stated periods against the usurpation of Rome, that relics were not to be exhibited for gain, that a good home life was preferable to pilgrimage, that children were to learn the Lord’s Prayer, the Holy Creed and the Ten Commandments in English.

Mary visited Elizabeth at Hatfield House.

Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond, Henry VIII’s illegitimate son, died from tuberculosis. He was 17 years old.

Henry began to be concerned that Jane Seymour was not yet pregnant.

The court moved to Windsor to escape an outbreak of the plague.

The Pope announced that Reginald Pole was to be made a cardinal to fill the vacancy left by Fisher’s death. Reginald Pole, who had been outspoken about Henry’s treatment of Catherine, accepted the post even though he would be guilty of treason by doing so.

The closure of the monasteries and the Ten Articles were not well received by the common people. The monasteries had provided food, shelter and a basic education for the people as well as a place for travellers to stay. Many traditional religious festivals were now forbidden and people were angry though they blamed Cromwell rather than the King for this.

Pilgrimage of Grace

This rebellion against the closure of the monasteries began in Louth where people were concerned by the news that commissioners would be arriving to investigate their church. This rebellion against the closure of the monasteries began in Louth where people were concerned by the news that commissioners would be arriving to investigate their church.

Pilgrimage of Grace

After burning the commissioners books at Louth around 30,000 protesters set out from Louth and marched towards Lincoln. A list of grievances was sent to the King.

Pilgrimage of Grace

The protesters, now numbered about 50,000 camped at Hambleton Hill. However, armed forces were marching to break up the protest.

A proclamation from the King arrived in Lincolnshire ordering the rebels to disband. Since news had reached the rebels that armed forces were on their way many went home fearful of reprisals.

Pilgrimage of Grace

A large group of Yorkshiremen gathered at Wighton Hill under the leadership of Robert Aske.

Pilgrimage of Grace

Robert Aske and his followers marched on Hull.

Pilgrimage of Grace

A new set of grievances with more emphasis on religious grievances was written by Aske and sent to the King.

Pilgrimage of Grace

Lord d’Arcy of Templehurst supported Aske and surrendered Pontefract. Archbishop Lee also joined Aske.

Pilgrimage of Grace

Robert Aske stood at the head of around 30,000 protestors in Doncaster.

Pilgrimage of Grace

the Duke of Norfolk lacked the resources to to deal with the Aske’s large force. He therefore decided to attempt a peaceful solution and met Aske for talks on Doncaster Bridge. Norfolk agreed to take Aske’s grievances to the King provided that a truce would be called and Aske’s army disbanded.

Pilgrimage of Grace

the Duke of Norfolk wrote to Henry to explain his actions.

Jane Seymour begged Henry to restore some of the monasteries saying that the riot may have been allowed by God as a punishment for the deliberate desecration of so many churches. Henry was furious and ordered Jane to occupy her mind with other things.

Pilgrimage of Grace

Henry received the Duke of Norfolk and the list of grievances he brought from Aske.

Pilgrimage of Grace

Henry sent an envoy to Yorkshire to invite Aske and 300 ‘pilgrims’ to meet Norfolk at Doncaster for further discussions.

Pilgrimage of Grace

the rebels refused Henry’s offer to meet with Norfolk at Doncaster until a general pardon had been issued.

Pilgrimage of Grace

The rebels were offered, on the King’s behalf a general pardon if they would put down their weapons and disperse. Aske was summoned to court and issued with a safe pass which was valid to 5th January 1537.

Pilgrimage of Grace

Robert Aske persuaded the rebels to disperse saying that they had won and that the King would respond to their demands when he met him at court.

Princess Mary arrived at Windsor for the Christmas festivities.

Jane Seymour’s father died at Wulfhall.

Reginald Pole was created a Cardinal in Rome.

The river Thames was frozen and so Henry, Jane and Mary rode through the streets of London to Greenwich. The people turned out to see the royal party.

Pilgrimage of Grace

Robert Aske was present at court and spoke with the King. Henry told him that he would visit Yorkshire in the summer and hold a parliament to pass any legislation necessary to satisfy their demands. However, Henry had other ideas.

Robert Aske realised that Henry was playing for time and recalled his men believing that there would be further confrontation. Henry told Norfolk “you shall cause such dreadful execution to be done upon a good number of the inhabitants of every town, village, and hamlet that have offended, as they may be a fearful spectacle to all others hereafter that would practice any like matter.”

The Duke of Norfolk raised the King’s banner in Carlisle and declared that area subject to martial law. All loyal subjects were told to wear the King’s uniform of a red cross on a white background.

Norfolk presided over a Great Assize and sentenced around 50 mostly monks and priors to be executed. Due to the large number of nobles that had taken part in the uprising it was deemed counter productive to execute them all so they were divided into those to be executed and those to be pardoned. Those to be pardoned included Archbishop Lee, Lord Scrope, Lord Latimer and Robert Bowes while those to be executed included Lord D’Arcy, Robert Aske and Hugh Bigod.

Jane Seymour announced that she was pregnant and that she believed the baby would be born in the middle of October.

Cardinal Reginald Pole was visiting Francis II. Henry VIII wrote to Francis asking him to extradite the Cardinal to England where he was to be tried for treason. Francis did not want to offend Henry but also could not morally send a Cardinal to his death so he asked Pole to leave France.

Robert Aske was found guilty of treason.

Celebrations were held to mark the fact that Jane had felt her child move in her womb.

An outbreak of plague in London meant that the court moved to Windsor. Henry was anxious to keep Jane away from any illness.

Henry was in constant pain from his legs. He had ulcers on both legs which worsened when he refused to rest. Henry also ate too much and was becoming fat.

Despite protestations that he had been pardoned by the King, Robert Aske was chained to a scaffold and left to die from exposure and starvation.

Matthew’s Bible

An English Bible was published which was known as Matthew’s Bible. It comprised Tynedale’s New Testament without marginal notes and the Old Testament which was basically a re-issue of Coverdale’s Bible. The Bible was placed in all churches throughout the land.

The Court moved to Hampton Court to await the birth of Jane’s baby.

Henry’s niece, Frances Brandon , gave birth to a baby girl. She was named Jane Grey.

After a very difficult labour Jane was delivered of a baby boy. Henry was overjoyed and named the child Edward and created him Duke of Cornwall. Heralds were despached to every part of the country with the news.

Prince Edward was christened at midnight at Hampton Court. His godparents were the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Cranmer and Lady Mary.

Jane was taken ill with diarrhoea and sickness.

Jane died. It is thought that she died from puerperal fever which was a common cause of death after pregnancy and is caused by lack of antiseptic conditions.

Jane’s body was embalmed and dressed in gold tissue. A golden crown was placed on her head. Her body was taken to the presence chamber of Hampton Court where it lay in state.

Jane’s body was taken to the Chapel Royal at Windsor where it continued to lay in state.

Jane’s coffin was carried to St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle for the funeral service. As was the custom Henry did not attend the funeral so Lady Mary was chief mourner. After the service her body continued to lay in state.

Queen Jane’s body was laid to rest in a vault before the high altar of St George’s Chapel, Windsor. The Bells of London tolled for six hours to mark the event. Henry declared that it was his wish to be buried next to Jane.

Mary left court for Hunsdon where she was to take charge of Elizabeth’s household. Lady Margaret Bryan was transferred to Prince Edward’s household.

Commissioners were sent to take voluntary surrender of more monasteries. Anyone suspected of opposing the King was charged with treason and hanged.

Any remaining monasteries were now closed.

Henry began to consider remarrying and considered Mary of Guise and Christina of Milan. Francis refused any marriage between Mary of Guise and Henry since Mary was promised to James V of Scotland.

King Henry visited Edward at Havering.

A Protestant deputation from Germany arrived in England and during talks Cromwell realised that it would be good for the country to make an alliance with a Protestant country. The ambassadors mentioned that the Duke of Cleves had two daughters of marriageable age.

John Forrest who had been Catherine’s confessor, refused to shake off his allegiance to Rome. He was executed.

The nobility were split over church reform: the Conservative faction headed by Stephen Gardiner wanted the church protected from radical reform while the Radical faction hoped that the Break with Rome would lead to acceptance of a more Lutheran doctrine.

Prince Edward was brought to Hampton Court.

Henry was in constant pain with his legs, however he continued to eat large hearty meals and was becoming more and more obese.

Henry learned that Reginald Pole was working against him and ordered that all members of the Pole family and their supporters be arrested.

Geoffrey Pole was arrested and charged with conspiring to help Reginald Pole escape from England. He was also forced into giving evidence against his mother the Countess of Salisbury and his brother Henry Lord Montague as well as Sir Edward Neville.

Henry VII